Buffalo Sabres 2022 Draft: Weaknesses for each draft pick
By Sion Fawkes
Viktor Neuchev, LW/74th overall
Neuchev is one of those players you watch and you think: He rarely has an idea of how to play a team game out there on the ice. This is one of the ultimate boom-or-bust prospects that was a great value pick at 74th overall, but it is always a risk when you draft a player based on raw ability alone.
Of course, I raved about Neuchev’s selection on Friday, citing his NHL-caliber height, powerful shot, and outstanding production. But raw ability can only take you so far. So while his 67 points and 40 goals in 61 games look good on paper, Neuchev needs to realize that his go at it alone approach will not work in leagues above his comfort zone that is the MHL.
This is a player who has all the talent you can ask for. But if he cannot spread the puck around and draw defenders away from teammates when they are handling the puck, he will never be a productive player in North America. The scoring prowess is there, but Neuchev needs to develop his game when he finds himself in a supporting role.