Rookie blueliner aces the Sabres Top 24 and under players and prospects in Tier V

20: Vsevolod Komarov, D/Drummondville Voltigeurs

It would be surprising if Vsevolod Komarov doesn’t ultimately translate the game he’s developed over to Rochester. In 52 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Komarov recorded 61 points and 15 goals, and that doesn’t count his 19 points and three goals in 22 games with the Quebec Remparts, giving him a total of 80 points and 18 goals in 74 matchups. 

This shows us that he should contribute offensively in Rochester, and it won’t surprise any of us if he becomes a fixture on the man advantage. Whether the former fifth-round pick ultimately plays in front of the KeyBank Center crowd, it’s irrelevant, because if he can’t beat out anyone currently in the rotation once NHL-ready, he’s that prime trade asset mentioned previously. 

This makes Komarov a steal for the Sabres as he will ultimately become a major contributor in the rotation should there be room, or he will help the Blue and Gold bring in an established piece to the big club via trade. Komarov wouldn’t be the only prospect moving in such a trade, but if someone gives Buffalo a sound role player, the 20-year-old would reward a new team well. 

We know how far Komarov has come throughout his junior hockey career, and he will give us a progress report as the summer progresses in development camp and in the preseason - assuming there’s no offseason trade.