Sabre Noise
Fansided

Buffalo Sabres: 5 picks from last three seasons to get excited about

By Sion Fawkes

WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 01: Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE skates during second period action against the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game Two of the First Round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs at Wayne Fleming Arena on April 01, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 01: Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE skates during second period action against the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game Two of the First Round of the 2023 WHL Playoffs at Wayne Fleming Arena on April 01, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Buffalo Sabres
Sep 25, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tyson Kozak (48) battles for the puck with Washington Capitals defenseman Dru Krebs (51) and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

3 – Nikita Novikov

Another steal in my book, Nikita Novikov landed with the Buffalo Sabres with the 188th overall pick because most of the league was concerned whether he’d sign in North America, or continue his pro career in Russia. It was well worth the risk, as Adams snagged Novikov, and the prospect did nothing but impress during his last two seasons in the KHL.

At 6’4, 198 lb, Novikov will boast an intimidating presence and continue his physical play in the AHL. His time in the KHL also gave Novikov a chance to play against some experienced and talented hockey players, which will only help his transition to North America.

2 – Tyson Kozak

Before the Buffalo Sabres inked Zemgus Girgensons and Kyle Okposo to a pair of one-year agreements, I had Tyson Kozak slated as a darkhorse to snag a spot on the fourth line, given his ability to help in the penalty kill, win faceoffs, and to bring an overall physical edge to the ice. Those were three avenues the Blue and Gold struggled in, but it won’t hurt for Kozak to spend another season in Rochester to continue honing those skills.

This year, I’m expecting Kozak to forge yet another dominating presence with the Amerks. And though he may not score often, his role and further polishing of his game will land him serious consideration to earn a spot on the Sabres in 2024-25.

Home/Sabres News