Top 5 Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch in the Calder Cup Playoffs

The Rochester Americans kick off their Calder Cup Playoff run tonight against the Syracuse Crunch. Here are five Buffalo Sabres prospects to keep an eye on.

While the Buffalo Sabres are watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, the Rochester Americans begin their quest for the Calder Cup tonight. And what makes this team so exciting is the fact they have so much young talent on the team, and many of whom could eventually find their way onto the Blue and Gold’s roster.

Below, you will meet five players who play different roles for the Amerks, but have served the team well over the regular season. One of which enjoyed one of the best years ever from a player in his age group.

Ready to meet them? Keep reading.

5 Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch

1 – Jiri Kulich

Let’s start things off with Jiri Kulich, who’s been nothing but dominant regardless if he was playing international hockey, or with the Amerks. The former 28th overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres notched 46 points in 62 outings, scoring 24 goals. He also added 22 helpers.

Kulich finished second all-time in goals scored by an 18-year-old in AHL history, and fourth in points overall, per Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News. Look for him to continue his dominance when he’s cleared to return to action, which could happen as early as tonight.

2 – Lukas Rousek

When you get a couple of games in the NHL, you know you’ve caught the parent club’s attention. And Lukas Rousek didn’t disappoint during his two contests with the Buffalo Sabres, and he could likely find himself on the main roster next season.

But he’s also been one of the most dominant players in Rochester this year, leading the Amerks with 56 points, 16 goals, and 40 assists. Since he’s auditioning for a role in the NHL in 2023-24, look for Rousek to go all out.

3 – Isak Rosen

Every year, you get that one player who performs well that no one is talking about. This season, that player was former first round pick Isak Rosen. One of just 10 players to score 10 or more goals for Rochester this season, Rosen finished the year with 14 of them and 37 points in 66 games.

He got better as the season ticked on, and he ultimately played a pivotal role in Rochester’s ten-game point streak. Expect Rosen to make an impact early in the playoffs.

4 – Tyson Kozak

Tyson Kozak didn’t do much in the way of points, but it doesn’t mean he was an ineffective player. He brings a sound level of physicality to the table, is great on the penalty kill, and he can win faceoffs.

And if you were paying attention to the Sabres this past seasoon, they struggle in all three of those areas. Not saying Kozak will be a member of the Blue and Gold next season, but if he keeps up such a role in the AHL, the former seventh-round pick could, in time, work his way onto the fourth line or into an extra skater role for Buffalo, especially if injuries strike.

5 – Filip Cederqvist

Last season, Lukas Rousek struggled to find his footing, but he got there eventually. This year, Filip Cederqvist is the one who fulfilled that role.

Though he only scored 20 points in 55 games, five of his nine goals came between April 7th and April 16th, including a hat trick in the Amerks penultimate game of the season. If Cederqvist can continue his late-season run with a dynamic playoff performance, it will set the stage for a potential breakout season next year.

Source: Sabres prospect Isak Rosen looking to carry strong finish into AHL playoffs with Amerks by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com

(Statistics provided by Amerks.com)