Ranking the Buffalo Sabres Top 10 Prospects (2023 Postseason Edition)
By Sion Fawkes
7 – Nikita Novikov
I’d spent the previous year watching clips of Nikita Novikov whenever I could get my hands on them, and needless to say, I was beyond impressed. You look at his size, and you will immediately think of Mattias Samuelsson. Couple that with the fact that he can be a big hitter, and the Buffalo Sabres latest signee at the time of this writing could be, once given some time to develop in Rochester, a long-term fixture in the Blue and Gold’s top four.
6 – Noah Ostlund
This past season, Noah Ostlund made an incredible jump from J20 Nationell to HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier professional league. In 37 games, he logged eight goals and 18 assists, which isn’t half-bad for a rook. Per Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, Ostlund has the ability to win faceoffs (especially important ones), help kill penalties, and create opportunities for others. Expect him to continue to hone those aspects of his game in Sweden next year, unless he decides to make the move to Rochester.
5 – Tyson Kozak
Tyson Kozak has surprisingly been a decent scorer so far during the Rochester Americans playoff run. And although scoring hasn’t comprised much of his game during his first season in the AHL, Kozak has been effective on the PK unit and winning faceoffs. He also brings a physical edge that has been fun to watch over the past season, and his overall style of play will eventually land the former seventh round pick a spot in the NHL.
4 – Lukas Rousek
Lukas Rousek was incredible in his first two outings with the Buffalo Sabres, and he he’s been no stranger to success this season in Rochester. Another “overaged” prospect on this list, Rousek has earned a high ranking because he will be a legitimate threat to earn a spot in the lineup next season if there are a few openings. This past year, he recorded an incredible 56 points in 70 games with the Amerks, and has also averaged over a point per game in the playoffs.