The Buffalo Sabres have plenty of prospects looking to take the next step in their respective pro careers. Here are three with the most to prove in Game 2.
While it’s true that all prospects have something to prove, those on the cusp of greatness or on the bubble of their respective teams must take their game at least one step further. You can account for several names in the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool, but three jump out more than any other on the eve of Game 2.
The prospects you will meet below present a mixed bag. Two such players enjoyed strong outings in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens while a third is looking to lessen their learning curve. Let’s meet these prospects.
3 Buffalo Sabres prospects with something to prove – Tyson Kozak
When you are a former seventh round pick, you will always play with a chip on your shoulder. Tyson Kozak, who has since evolved into one of the best prospects on the Sabres, turned more heads than anyone else on Thursday night.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the New Jersey Devils prospects, he should expect opponents to account for him every time he steps onto the ice. Kozak may have looked good on Thursday, but he drew a lot of attention his way in the process. Expect the Devils to give him all he can handle on Saturday, meaning Kozak must find a way to counter them.
Oskari Laaksonen
Like Kozak, Laaksonen enjoyed a fine outing on Thursday. A defenseman, he remains on thin ice given his lack of aggression in Rochester as the 2021-22 season wore on. However, he looked good defensively in a tournament intended to sway in his favor.
Laaksonen can’t get comfortable and revert back into his old habits. And tonight will be a massive test as he faces the likes of Alexander Holtz, Nolan Foote, and other top-end Devils prospects. Laaksonen proved he can play defense; now he must do so consistently.
Aleksandr Kisakov
Despite having a quiet game on Thursday, Kisakov did some good things. He transitioned the puck well, showed aggression when fighting for the puck, and held his own against some of Montreal’s top lines. Kisakov, however, faces a longer learning curve than prospects like Isak Rosen and Matt Savoie.
Visa issues forced him to miss development camp, which helped put him behind the eight-ball. He is also slated to begin play in the American Hockey League, a sizeable step for 19-year-old completely new to the North American style of the game.
One of the Buffalo Sabres prospect pool’s most decorated shooters, however, fans will expect a lot from Kisakov. And tonight, he has a golden opportunity to show off his powerful shot to those in attendance at the LECOM Harborcenter.