Prokhor Poltapov, a 2021 second-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres, is entering the final season of his contract with the KHL's CSKA Moscow and appears primed for a big year.
Poltapov opened the preseason Monday with three goals in the team's 4-3 win over Dynamo Moscow, including the game-winning tally with just under eight minutes remaining to complete the hat trick.
The 23-year-old Russian finished the 2025-26 campaign with 40 points (16 goals and 24 assists) in 68 regular-season appearances for CSKA Moscow. He added two goals and four helpers in 10 playoff contests.
Poltapov is one of the most popular prospects within the Sabres' farm system, and that fan enthusiasm is matched by Buffalo's front office, though the young forward still hasn't signed an entry-level contract with the organization.
Sabres assistant general manager Jerry Forton expressed optimism about what comes next for the 6-foot winger following the 2026 NHL Draft in late June.
"We consider him almost a plug-and-play prospect the day he's ready to come over, which I think should be next year," Forton told Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald. "Has middle-six qualities that I think will be pretty unique for our organization."
The Buffalo executive added: "I think he's very much a guy that can come in and make an impact the day he gets over here."
Although the Sabres own his NHL rights indefinitely, the chances of Poltapov eventually moving stateside to continue his hockey career will dip significantly if he opts to sign another contract extension in Russia rather than coming to North America for 2027-28.
Prokhor Poltapov could make a direct jump into the Sabres lineup next year
Most prospects, especially those drafted outside the first round, spend at least a little time with the AHL's Rochester Americans before arriving to Buffalo.
Poltapov could be an exception.
He'll already have played parts of seven years (including five full seasons) in the KHL, Russia's top league, by the time he may move to Western New York next summer. He'll also be 24 years old.
That's more than enough experience against pro opponents to believe he can make the transition to the NHL without any AHL time.
In addition, the Sabres may have a spot or two to fill in their middle six ahead of the 2027-28 campaign. Jason Zucker is an impending unrestricted free agent, while Jack Quinn will be a restricted free agent and has saw his name land in trade rumors over the past few years.
Poltapov is a dependable two-way contributor who projects as a third-line player in the NHL, though he could peak as a top-six asset if his offensive game evolves a little more.
Kris Baker of Sabres Prospects believes it all comes down to whether the St. Petersburg native wants to play in the NHL because Buffalo remains interested:
the Sabres have expressed interest and there a good chance he'd be ready to play ball next year once his KHL contract is complete. Ball will be in the player's court. Feeling is he will come when he feels he is ready.
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) August 24, 2026
Poltapov joining the Blue and Gold could also help Buffalo yield a little more value from an otherwise underwhelming 2021 draft class.
Owen Power has emerged as a roster stalwart but he hasn't lived up to the massive expectations of a No. 1 overall pick, and only two other players from that 11-pick class (Isak Rosen and Tyson Kozak) have even skated in an NHL game. Rosen was traded to the Winnipeg Jets last season, while Kozak is a fourth-line contributor.
While Poltapov probably won't ever become a superstar, he's shown enough with CSKA Moscow to believe he can become a solid long-term piece for Buffalo.
Of course, that depends on him leaving Russia and, at least so far, that's not guaranteed.
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