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Influx of talent in Rochester should have Buffalo Sabres excited

By Sion Fawkes

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 6: Ryan Johnson #23 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers stands on the blue line before a game against the Boston University Terriers during game one of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Frozen Four Championship Semifinal at the Amaile Arena on April 6, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 6: Ryan Johnson #23 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers stands on the blue line before a game against the Boston University Terriers during game one of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Frozen Four Championship Semifinal at the Amaile Arena on April 6, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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While it was disheartening to see Lawrence Pilut again leave the Buffalo Sabres organization, they should nonetheless be excited about Rochester.

Lawrence Pilut was never going to be a full-time player for the Buffalo Sabres, but he was ultra-fun to watch in Rochester. Therefore, it was disappointing to see him go to Europe, but understandable nonetheless.

The Sabres got more unfortunate news when Noah Ostlund signed with Vaxjo of the SHL. However, Ostlund’s initial plan was to spend two years in his home country of Sweden. So while some may have been disappointed to see him stay in Sweden, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Since Pilut and Ostlund will be in Europe, however, the good news is that it means more time for the likes of a few newcomers slated to play in Rochester next season. Let’s check out these players and what makes them so intriguing.

Buffalo Sabres should be excited about incoming talent for Rochester

One player who could make a smooth transition to North America is Viktor Neuchev, who put up 12 points in 57 contests for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the KHL. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, it’s a decent points total for a teenager playing in Russia’s highest level of hockey.

Nikita Novikov is another one heading to the States, and the tall, hard-hitting blueliner should make his physical presence known in the Flower City. This is a talent that fell into the Buffalo Sabres hands with the 188th overall pick in 2021, and if he adjusts to the North American game quickly, the NHL will come calling before anyone knows it.

One player I was excited about heading into the season was Olivier Nadeau. However, offseason surgery limited him to just 34 regular season games for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. Nonetheless, he scored 46 points, 22 goals, and 24 assists in those contests, and unlike many prospects his age, Nadeau boasts respectable size at 6’2″, 200lb per Elite Prospects. 

Just about everyone in the Buffalo Sabres fanbase was shocked when Ryan Johnson signed his entry-level deal, but now that he’s officially part of the organization, all eyes will be on the former 31st overall pick. Johnson’s play picked up steadily over his four seasons in college, and if that trend continues in the AHL, he will inevitably find himself on NHL ice.

Related Story. Sabres prospects have a unique opportunity to grow in 2023. light

Despite Pilut’s departure and Ostlund’s announcement that he’s returning to Sweden, there’s still plenty to get excited for in Rochester in 2023-24. And with the current squad having made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, it’s safe to assume that this team will be even more fun to watch this year.

Source: Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund to play with SHL’s Vaxjo Lakers next season by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)

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