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

18: Viktor Neuchev, W/Rochester

Viktor Neuchev was a player who had a lot to prove this year, coming to play the North American game for the first time. While there were obvious growing pains, and some of that will continue next season in Rochester, you can chalk Neuchev’s first season as a success. 

Though he still needs to pack on size as he continues his odyssey in the North American pro ranks, Neuchev finished the regular season with a respectable 11 goals and 28 points in 57 regular season contests, and it could foreshadow a leap for the former third-round pick. 

At one point in the season, Neuchev was operating at over a half-point per game pace, with 26 in 46 games. Acclimating to the North American game was one thing, but additional work outside the rink may have been responsible for Neuchev’s better-than-advertised rookie year.  

In 2024-25, consistency should be what the 20-year-old seeks, and hopefully, an end to the hot and cold spells. Best yet, with some forwards in Rochester potentially finding spots in the NHL next season, it means even more opportunity for someone like Neuchev to shine. 

And as with the other prospects listed before him, doing so works in multiple ways: Either it ultimately earns him a spot in Buffalo down the road, or he’s helping the Sabres make a sound trade acquisition.