Buffalo Sabres: Kisakov is someone to keep an eye on in farm system

PLYMOUTH, MI - DECEMBER 11: Noah Meier #7 of the Switzerland Nationals battles for position with Alexandr Kisakov #21 of the U17 Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on December 11, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Switzerland 9-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
PLYMOUTH, MI - DECEMBER 11: Noah Meier #7 of the Switzerland Nationals battles for position with Alexandr Kisakov #21 of the U17 Russian Nationals during the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on December 11, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Switzerland 9-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

Following the Buffalo Sabres 2022 Prospects Challenge, no player improved throughout the five-day stretch more than Aleksandr Kisakov.

Just how well did the Buffalo Sabres fare at the 2022 Prospects Challenge? They played so well that it was tough for me to choose one player to keep an eye on in the farm system for 2022-23. After giving it much thought, I wanted to go with the one prospect who improved more than any other between Games 1 and 3 – Aleksandr Kisakov.

In Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens prospect, Kisakov made his presence known, but he was often too slow and lacked confidence while adjusting to the differences between the North American and Russian game. Come Monday against the Ottawa Senators, Kisakov turned heads as one of the Sabres prospects’ more productive players.

Kisakov will make vast improvements in the Buffalo Sabres farm system

While he scored a goal in Game 2, Kisakov made plays all over the ice in Game 3, connecting with Matt Savoie on both of the latter’s goals. Earlier in the contest, he made back-to-back heads up plays, finding Linus Weissbach, who scored the Sabres first goal against Ottawa after intercepting a pass from Senators goaltender Jakob Robilard.

Kisakov will most likely spend the entire season in the AHL for 2022-23, and expect him to play more like he did in Game 1 early in the season as he continues to get used to the faster, more physical play the league brings. But you can also expect him to play more like he did in Games 2 and 3.

Kisakov’s speed stands out, even if he should pack on a few more pounds of muscle. He’s quick up and down the ice and laterally, possessing sound on-ice awareness, as he showed several times in Games 2 and 3. His high hockey IQ is one reason he picked up the pace in the latter two games, and it ended with him becoming one of the more distinguished prospects to compete in the tournament.

Look for early growing pains from Kisakov. But once he gets a few games under his belt, you can also expect a highly productive season.

Article Source: Savoie, Kozak deliver multi-goal outings in Prospects Challenge finale by Connor Pohlman