Nikita Novikov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #18

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 16:46:42 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 18th (May 2025 - 22nd)
GM: Kevyn Adams Hired: June 2020
COACH: Lindy Ruff Hired: April 2024

Despite having gone 14 consecutive seasons without a playoff berth, the Buffalo Sabres’ prospect pool lacks strong depth. It’s been a year since the Matthew Savoie trade, but his departure, coupled with several key graduations, has thinned the pipeline to a level not seen in Buffalo for some time.

The graduations of J.J. Peterka and Jiří Kulich to full-time NHL roles have been particularly impactful. What remains is a group of promising prospects, many paying their dues in the AHL. Konsta Helenius, Noah Östlund, and Anton Wahlberg all made the jump to North America this season to join Rochester, while Isak Rosen took a big step forward, leading the Americans in scoring with a career-high 55 points.

There’s still reason for optimism, though. This summer’s ninth overall pick, Radim Mrtka, adds yet another towering defensive piece to the mix. And at the NHL level, the core remains young and talented—Jack Quinn (23), Zach Benson (19), Tage Thompson (27), Bowen Byram (23), Owen Power (22), and Rasmus Dahlin (25) give Buffalo a foundation that few rebuilding teams can match.

With so much young talent already in place, the narrative of “nobody deserves it more” continues to grow louder in Western New York.

Buffalo Sabres Top-15 Prospects

1 - Radim Mrtka

The Sabres had already amassed a deep and diverse collection of young assets in recent years, yet they somehow still managed to add a uniquely new piece to the puzzle in the 2025 draft when they selected Mrtka. Defending has been more of a problem for the organization lately than scoring has, and their immediate outlook isn't any different, so the 6-foot-6 blueliner's services will be desperately needed in Buffalo as soon as he's ready. His game is all about efficiency and consistency, using his smarts, conditioning, enormous reach and abundance of strength to grind down or outright halt opposing scoring chances. There's also some genuine offensive pop to him as well, which might get to show itself more often once he's not playing upwards of 30 minutes per night, like he did both in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds and internationally with his native Czechia. Mrtka is a player who gets results, even if it’s not always in the most entertaining of ways.

2 - Konsta Helenius

Helenius had a quietly respectable debut season in the AHL, holding his own as the only 18-year-old playing their full campaign in the league. He was ready to take on that rare challenge after playing professionally against men the two prior seasons in the Liiga in Finland. While his production as a rookie with Rochester might not jump off the page, it was quite impressive when factoring in the context of his age and that being his first season of hockey in North America. He is an exceptionally smart and tenacious forward who loves to push the pace of play and isn't afraid to battle in tough areas, even in spite of his smaller size. He gets a lot of puck touches with his anticipation and hustle and has quick-strike offensive ability. It's safe to project Helenius as a future NHLer in some capacity, which could be on a scoring line or in more of a support role.

3 - Noah Östlund

Östlund had a big breakout year in 2024-25, finding a whole new level to his game. Making matters even more impressive, he accomplished that in his very first season in North America. Surely the deep and talented collection of other Swedes playing with him on the AHL's Rochester Americans helped make that cross-Atlantic transition easier for him. Primarily a playmaker by nature, he has worked to round out his game and now has a stronger goal-scoring element as well. At the same time, though, he still has a lot of improving left to do when it comes to getting his strength and speed up to an NHL level, which was evident in the handful of games this year where he suited up for the Sabres. Östlund could be a pretty exciting talent once he has fully matured physically, and with Buffalo’s young depth they can afford to be patient with him.

4 - Isak Rosén

"Slow and steady" continues to be the mantra for Rosén as he works his way toward full-time NHL duty. 2024-25 was his fourth full season of hockey since being drafted and give him credit where it's due: he has gotten better year-over-year. While that's impressive in its own right, the flip side of the coin is that he has yet to truly cement himself as an NHLer in the same way that many other top players from his draft class already have. And unless he really blows people away in training camp and preseason, he's on track for another AHL-heavy season in 2025-26, which will be the last one where the Sabres can send him down there without taking the risk of him being plucked on waivers. He still has plenty of speed to burn, and you can't teach his finishing instincts. This will be a crucial year for determining whether or not those strengths will be enough to carry Rosén, or if he can add other elements to his game.

5 - Anton Wahlberg

Wahlberg doesn’t get nearly enough hype among Sabres prospects. There are just so many different things to like about him, starting with his useful blend of size, mobility and puck skill. He’s comfortable playing center and on the wing. He’s been a mainstay for Sweden internationally in recent junior-aged tournaments, picking up a collection of medals along the way. And if all of that isn’t enough, his roots give him an edge over most, with a father who was a longtime pro who then became a coach, and a twin brother who currently plays in the SHL. There were only a small handful of teenagers who played all of their 2024-25 seasons in the AHL, and Wahlberg did so while also producing the fourth-most points of that group. Will he ever become a true star in the NHL? Probably not. But you could bet money right now on him eventually making it to that level and becoming a valuable piece of a roster puzzle.

6 - Vsevolod Komarov

Is there anyone, single archetype of young player that NHL teams cover these days more so than big, mean, right-shot defenders who can contribute in all situations? Probably not. That's why it's so remarkable that the Sabres found Komarov, a prospect who fits that description quite well, all the way down in the fifth round of the 2022 draft. The Russian blueliner flourished under the tutelage of head coach Patrick Roy in Quebec City, winning one QMJHL championship with the Remparts in 2023 before getting traded to Drummondville and winning another the very next season with the Voltigeurs. He’s pretty bold and tough for a player his age, leading the Americans in penalty minutes this year, and if his time in junior is any indication there’s going to be more offence still to come for him at the professional levels. Don’t sleep on Komarov as someone who could become a mainstay in Buffalo sooner rather than later.

7 - Adam Kleber

Throughout last season, Kleber has shown steady growth as a shutdown-style defenceman. His physicality, defensive awareness, and commitment to playing a structured game have been consistent strengths. He effectively uses his size to win board battles, clear the net front, and maintain strong gap control. His penalty killing abilities are notable, demonstrating smart reads and an active stick. While his offensive contributions remain limited, his decision making under pressure has improved, particularly in breakout situations. However, skating remains a weakness, with below-average speed and agility, and his hands and puck skills need further development. Kleber’s progression suggests a solid foundation as a bottom-pairing, defence-first player at higher levels. Continued improvement in his skating mechanics and puck-handling will be essential for securing a professional contract. Averaging top four minutes as a freshman, his reliability in defensive roles is evident, making him a valuable asset for penalty kill situations and shutdown assignments on professional teams.

8 - Maxim Strbak

Maxim Strbak, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2023, made noticeable strides in his sophomore season at the NCAA level, particularly on offence. He jumped from nine to 19 points at Michigan State, as well as producing over a point per game at the World Juniors for the second straight tournament. With the puck, Strbak has some skill and can be creative, but his decision making can get him into trouble at times. Fortunately, the focal point of his game is how dependable he is on defence. Strbak is excellent at defending in his own zone, he’s competitive, positionally sound, and can play physically. If he continues to develop his decision-making and gains confidence handling the puck, Strbak could project as a well-rounded defenceman. At this stage, however, his NHL ceiling appears limited to a bottom-pair role. He’s heading back to Michigan State again this season.

9 - Brodie Ziemer

Ziemer showed notable progression last season, transitioning effectively to the college game. Early on, he established himself as a reliable presence on Minnesota's top six, excelling in puck support, forechecking, and backchecking. His ability to create space and generate offensive opportunities through effective puck handling and smart decision making was evident. As the season progressed, Ziemer demonstrated his adaptability by complementing highly skilled players, using his tenacity and awareness to contribute consistently. Strengths include his strong two-way play, puck management, and positional awareness. His determination in battles and willingness to go to the net make him a valuable asset. However, his skating and overall skill has been good enough to maintain top six minutes with the Gophers. Ziemer projects as a complementary middle six forward with special teams versatility, contributing in both offensive and defensive situations. With continued development in his skating, he has the potential to solidify this role at the professional level.

10 - Jake Richard

The big winger was a breakout star in 2024-25 emerging as one of the top offensive talents in the NCAA as a sophomore. Continued improvements to his skating/explosiveness have helped Richard unlock his potential and he’ll return to UConn for his junior team in hopes of contending for the Hobey Baker. Richard is at his best deep in the offensive zone; he’s in his office behind the opposing goal operating as a playmaker or at the net front trying to deposit second chances. His work rate in the offensive zone is excellent and he fights to earn his touches; his game is mature and should translate well to the pro game when he eventually makes that leap. It’s part of why he has dominated Sabres’ development camp the last few years. While Richard’s projection as a middle six piece hasn’t necessarily changed, the probability of him reaching that upside has improved dramatically.

11 - Nikita Novikov

After several seasons of KHL play, Novikov has put in two straight productive seasons on Rochester’s blueline (including a +28 this past season), which has the ideally sized defender looking ready to push for an NHL depth job. A jack of all trades type, he’ll need to prove that his positionally sound play in all three zones can temper a couple of mobility issues. As things are, Novikov will have to wait for trades or injuries to get a look.

12 - Prokhor Poltapov

A 2021 second rounder, the somewhat flamboyant Poltapov only just broke through as a true scorer in the KHL this past season, finishing second in scoring on his rather loaded CSKA team. It’s a good thing too as we finally saw considerable improvement in his decision making and use of his teammates, even if we’ve been excited about one day seeing his puck-protection and stickhandling skills on the smaller ice surface. That’ll wait as he has two more years on his KHL contract.

13 - Viktor Neuchev

A bit undersized and baby faced, Neuchev is entering the final year of his ELC and has already provided his fair share of dazzling entertainment to AHL audiences. With gradual all-round improvement since coming to North America, he was on pace for over 40 points this past season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in March. Looking ready for camp, it’s about time for him to become more of a play-driving power play component in the AHL.

14 - Topias Leinonen

Leinonen got his prospects back on track with a strong rookie season in the Hockey Allsvenskan. Athletic without power, and technically sound at tracking the puck, it looks like the large goaltender is just some improved lower body strength away from staring at some form of NHL future. Without a doubt though, his statistically sound season full of starts for Mora was crucial to getting him back on the prospect map. Time for an encore this season.

15 - Tyson Kozak

Kozak is a notable depth player whose unimpressive stats certainly don’t tell his whole story. Average in size, he lives off of hard work and a motor that allows him to get around the ice well and offer strong support for his linemates. He’s coming off his best season to date in the AHL, even having snuck into 21 NHL contests in a lower line capacity, chipping in more than anyone expected. Will he have the opportunity for an encore?

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #22 BUFFALO SABRES – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Thu, 22 May 2025 18:59:20 +0000

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 06: Rochester Americans center Konsta Helenius (91) shoots the puck during the first period of the American Hockey League game between the Rochester Americans and Cleveland Monsters on November 6, 2024, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

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Buffalo 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #12

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 13:00:37 +0000

_{PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 28:Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) skates with the puck during the second period in the NHL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on September 28, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 12th (Previous Rank - 2nd)
GM: Kevyn Adams Hired: June 2020
COACH: Lindy Ruff Hired: April 2024

Trading away McKeen’s 39th-ranked prospect, Matthew Savoie, has left a dent in the Sabres' prospect rankings, causing their fall from second to eighth, and now to 12th. However, at some point, the focus must shift from stockpiling prospects to winning games and making a push for the playoffs. Even with Savoie out of the picture, Buffalo still boasts seven players within our McKeen’s top 150, including two prospects ranked in the top 35. Most of their top prospects are close to home, developing with the Rochester Americans in the AHL while sitting just a rock's throw away of NHL deployment.

Leading the pack is forward Jiri Kulich (33rd), who appears closest to earning a promotion to the NHL. Since transitioning from Czechia two seasons ago, Kulich has been a consistent producer, racking up 91 points across 119 games, good for a 0.76 point-per-game pace. Isak Rosén (116th), Buffalo’s 2021 first rounder, is right behind him with 87 points over roughly the same span of games. Swedish sensations Noah Östlund (93rd) and Anton Wahlberg (110th) have also been tracking nicely in the SHL and have crossed the pond. Meanwhile, Konsta Helenius (51st), Buffalo’s latest first-round pick, is expected to join the North American ranks.

Buffalo’s prospect pool complements an already youthful NHL roster featuring Jack Quinn (22), Dylan Cozens (23), Zach Benson (19), J.J. Peterka (22), Tage Thompson (26), Bowen Byram (23), Owen Power (21), and Rasmus Dahlin (24).

The situation between the pipes is especially interesting. With Devon Levi, McKeen’s 21st-ranked prospect, waiting in the wings, Buffalo recently signed 25-year-old Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to a new five-year extension. While this solidifies Buffalo’s goaltending depth, it raises questions about how the goalie hierarchy will shake out.

After 13 years without playoff hockey, Buffalo’s rebuild has come to a critical juncture. With an incredibly talented core and a strong prospect pool, it’s only a matter of time before this team is ready to surge back into postseason contention.

Buffalo Sabres Top-15 Prospects

1. Devon Levi

Devon Levi's meteoric rise through the NCAA ranks had scouts raving about his potential as a future NHL star. The buzz stemmed from his remarkable calmness in net, his ability to make highlight-reel saves with a feline grace, and his knack for stealing games for his team. Levi's arrival in the NHL hasn't quite been the seamless transition many expected. While the raw talent is undeniable, there's a sense that the pro game's quicker pace and tighter margins have exposed some weaknesses in his game. His save percentages haven't reached the heights he achieved in college, and there have been moments where his positioning seems a touch off. The key is to remain patient. Adjusting to the NHL is a challenge for any goalie, and Levi's underlying numbers suggest there's still plenty to be optimistic about. He has the tools to be a difference-maker at this level, but it might take some time for him to fully adjust and find his rhythm.

2. Jiri Kulich

Jiri Kulich isn't the biggest forward on the ice, but he plays with a heart that belies his frame. He boasts a powerful skating stride that translates to dangerous rushes and the ability to create separation in tight spaces. Don't be fooled by his speed – Kulich isn't afraid to mix it up in the dirty areas. He battles for pucks along the boards with a willingness to go to the net to create scoring chances. But his true calling card is his offensive arsenal. He possesses a wicked wrist shot with a deceptive release, making him a constant threat from the perimeter. He's not a one-trick pony, though. Kulich displays slick hands and a knack for finding open ice in scoring areas. His hockey IQ shines in his ability to anticipate plays and make smart decisions. While all that is enticing, there's room for improvement in his overall strength. Consistency can also be a concern. If he addresses those issues, Kulich has top six forward potential with a knack for scoring goals.

3. Konsta Helenius

Konsta Helenius is a highly intelligent and skilled player, drawing comparisons to Lucas Raymond in his draft year due to their similar style, size, and smart play. Known for his results-oriented approach, Helenius consistently performed at a high level, finishing fifth in Liiga scoring among players 20 or younger, despite not being affiliated with an NHL team. He also represented Finland at the WJC, U18 Worlds, and the men’s world championships, where he made a strong impression as the youngest player ever to suit up for Team Finland. Helenius’s puck control, passing, and ability to navigate through traffic make him a formidable offensive threat. Although he needs to add strength, his skillset and maturity suggest he’ll be a valuable NHL asset soon. Helenius is seen as a player who could make a swift impact at the NHL level, potentially even faster than Raymond.

4. Noah Ostlund

Don't be fooled by his size – Noah Ostlund conducts the offence like a seasoned veteran. The Swedish center boasts a smooth skating stride and elite puckhandling ability, weaving through defenders with a magician's touch. His vision on the ice is a thing of beauty, threading needlepoint passes to spring linemates for breakaways. While not a prolific scorer himself, Ostlund elevates the play of everyone around him, a true playmaking maestro. Questions linger about his finishing touch. Despite flashes of a deceptive shot, consistency in finding the net remains a work in progress. Adding some physicality to his frame wouldn't hurt either, allowing him to battle harder in the trenches and win those board battles. Despite these areas for improvement, Ostlund's potential as a top six center with elite playmaking skills is undeniable. If he can add some scoring punch and a bit of grit, he could become a difference-maker at the NHL level.

5. Anton Wahlberg

After a limited stint with the Malmö Redhawks in the SHL, where he put up 10 points in 43 games, Wahlberg found his footing in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In nine games with the Americans, Wahlberg notched one goal and three assists for four points. While the point totals aren't eye-popping, it's important to remember Wahlberg is a young player (just 18 years old) adjusting to the pro game. The small sample size in the AHL makes it difficult to draw major conclusions, but the fact that he was able to produce at all is a positive sign. Those familiar with Wahlberg's scouting reports will likely point to his hockey IQ and playmaking ability as his biggest strengths. While his offensive upside remains to be seen, his performance in the AHL suggests he can be a productive player at that level. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Sabres decide to utilize him. Another year in the AHL could be in the cards.

6. Isak Rosen

Isak Rosen wasn't expected to light up the scoresheet in his second AHL season, but the young Swede did just that. After a decent rookie campaign, Rosen exploded offensively in 2023-24, putting up a respectable 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in 67 games for the Rochester Americans. His improved playmaking ability was particularly noteworthy, suggesting a well-rounded offensive skillset emerging. Questions linger, however. While he can create scoring chances, his finishing touch remains a work in progress. Consistency was also an issue – stretches of dominance were occasionally punctuated by quiet periods. Did Rosen finally earn his NHL call-up many predicted last season? The answer is a tantalizing ‘almost.’ He saw limited action with the Sabres, failing to register a point. His development in 2023-24 was a positive step, but the jury's still out on his NHL readiness. Can he refine his finishing and translate his AHL success to the big leagues? This season will be crucial in determining if Rosen becomes a reliable NHL contributor or remains a top AHL producer.

7. Vsevolod Komarov

Drafted 134th overall in 2022, the Sabres saw something in the 6-foot-3, 187-pound Vsevolod Komarov. The defender was coming off his first season in the QMJHL and while he had modest production, Buffalo believed in him. That appeared to be the right choice as the defenceman led all QMJHL defenders in assists (55) and points (69) this past season, earning him the Emile-Bouchard Trophy as the top defender in the league. The Russian defender has steadily improved since coming to North America, showing off creativity at the blue line, an ability to draw defenders in, and the knack for finding his open teammates. He’s not afraid to fire a shot himself either. Defensively, he utilizes his size very well, using his strength to muscle people off pucks and his reach to knock pucks away and get in the passing lanes. While there was some question about his upside and potential, Komarov is looking more and more like an NHL player.

8. Adam Kleber

Kleber is a towering right-shot defender who showed remarkable growth throughout last season. After struggling in the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and having a slow start in the USHL with Lincoln, he gradually gained confidence and improved his impact on both ends of the ice. A key factor in his development was the significant improvement in his skating, which became noticeably more powerful and fluid as the season progressed—a rare mid-season transformation that highlights his dedication and hard work. Defensively, Kleber became more effective at handling faster opponents, thanks to his improved mobility and impressive reach. Offensively, he began to take more risks as a puck mover, showing a newfound aggressiveness that hints at a higher upside. While he may never reach Cale Makar's level, his evolving confidence with the puck could push him beyond the role of a physical, stay-at-home defender. An NHL team would be wise to let him develop further at Minnesota-Duluth, allowing him to refine his puck skills and build confidence before turning pro.

9. Maxim Strbak

Drafted 45th overall by Buffalo, Maxim Strbak's freshman year at Michigan State was a solid, if unspectacular, debut. Known for his strong defensive positioning and ability to clear the crease, Strbak solidified himself as a reliable presence on the Spartans' blue line. While his offensive contributions were limited (two goals, nine points in 32 games), his defensive awareness and strong work ethic were valuable assets for the team. His skating remains a work in progress, particularly his top speed. This could limit his offensive upside at the NHL level. However, his ability to shut down plays, and make smart decisions with the puck, suggests he can carve out a niche as a dependable two-way defenceman. His development in the coming years will be crucial in determining whether he can become a top four option for the Sabres.

10. Viktor Neuchev

Viktor Neuchev is a tantalizing prospect with a rare blend of speed, skill, and creativity. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he has the frame to play a power-forward role at the NHL level. Neuchev possesses a heavy shot that he can unleash with a quick release. He’s also surprisingly nimble for his size, showing good edgework and acceleration. The Russian winger boasts elite-level quickness, able to separate from defenders with ease and generate high-danger scoring chances. His vision and anticipation are equally impressive, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. While Neuchev must continue to develop his physicality and defensive awareness, his upside is significant. With continued growth, he could become a dynamic, top six forward and a key contributor on the power play. Neuchev's ceiling is high, and he's an exciting addition to the Sabres' prospect pipeline.

11. Aleksandr Kisakov

Aleksandr Kisakov is a dynamic offensive talent with high-end skating, agility, and edge work, enabling him to navigate through defenders and create scoring chances. His vision, anticipation, and quick release shot make him a constant threat. While he excels offensively and isn't afraid to battle along the boards, his defensive awareness needs improvement. With continued development, Kisakov has the potential to be a top six forward for the Sabres.

12. Brodie Ziemer

Brodie Ziemer may not always stand out during games with his average height and speed, but his intelligence and skill set make him a key player. As a former captain of Team USA at the U18 Worlds, he excels in tight spaces with excellent hands around the net, delivering subtle tips and strong support. Ziemer’s contributions go beyond offence; he's reliable on the penalty kill, blocks shots, and does the little things right. His deceptive strength and all-for-the-team mentality make him a valuable, Zach Hyman-like prospect.

13. Nikita Novikov

After being drafted back in 2021, 188th overall, Nikita Novikov finally made the jump overseas in 2023-24, dressing for the AHL’s Rochester Americans. The two-way defender showed off impressive abilities in his own end, using his long reach and strong positioning to shut down opponents. He also took strides forward in the offensive zone, showing improved confidence and assertiveness. He’s on track to a bottom-four role in the NHL in the near future.

14. Prokhor Poltapov

Before hearing his name called 33rd overall in 2021, Prokhor Poltapov looked like one of the most skilled players in the NHL Draft. Since then, he’s made the jump to the KHL where he’s struggled to translate his offensive talent. His decision-making and use of his teammates need improvement, but there’s no questioning the skill he brings. He’s going to need to work out how to adapt his game now that he’s playing against strong opponents.

15. Viljami Marjala

Viljami Marjala has been developing very well since being drafted back in 2021, going from the QMJHL to the U20 SM-sarja to the Liiga full-time in 2023-24. He impressed with 40 points in 60 games, showing off his deceptiveness and unpredictability as he navigated defences. Expect him to take another step forward in the Liiga this season before coming back to North America.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #2 Buffalo Sabres – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:48:29 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 28:Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) skates with the puck during the second period in the NHL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on September 28, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

There is genuine excitement building in Buffalo. It has one of the best young cores in the NHL, built around draftees Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Jack Quinn, John-Jason Peterka, Dylan Cozens, Zach Benson, and Devon Levi. There’s also Peyton Krebs, acquired in the Jack Eichel trade, and Bowen Byram, acquired in a swap for Casey Mittelstadt. At the 2023 NHL Draft, the team added Benson 13th overall who made the immediate jump to the NHL. The fact that this team still has Matthew Savoie (10th ranked prospect by McKeen’s), Jiri Kulich (22nd), Noah Ostlund (72nd), and Isak Rosen (93rd) and still rank this highly in organizational depth is a testament to their scouts and development team.

General manager Kevyn Adams took over in June 2020, right before the draft, and has drawn good reviews as a steady hand. He was proactive in signing his two franchise centerman Tage Thompson (25 years old) and Dylan Cozens (22) to long-term deals at a reasonable AAV of $7.1 million that will benefit the team for years, followed up by locking down his two core defenders in Owen Power (seven years, $8.35 million) and Rasmus Dahlin (eight years, $11 million). His biggest trade was moving Jack Eichel for a first and a second, hometown hero Alex Tuch, who is thriving, along with the former 17th overall pick, Peyton Krebs. Adams brought in a lot of futures and changed the culture seemingly overnight in a high-pressure transaction. Eichel has gone on to thrive in Vegas, but the pieces Adams extracted are already fixtures in the line-up and Ostlund is a promising prospect. The Sabres will be competitive as soon as next season and will only get better as this group hits their prime. A reward to Buffalo fans who have been waiting 13 years for a playoff appearance and have seen their share of dysfunction.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Matthew Savoie	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	`22(9th)	34	30	41	71	10
2	Devon Levi	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	T(Fla-7/21)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
3	Jiri Kulich	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	`22(28th)	57	27	18	45	26
4	Noah Ostlund	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	`22(16th)	38	12	11	23	4
5	Anton Wahlberg	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	`23(39th)	43	5	5	10	4
6	Isak Rosen	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	`21(14th)	67	20	30	50	12
7	Maxim Strbak	D	19	6-2/205	Michigan State (B1G)	`23(45th)	32	2	7	9	17
8	Viktor Neuchev	LW	20	6-2/165	Rochester (AHL)	`22(74th)	57	11	17	28	8
9	Alexander Kisakov	LW	21	5-10/160	Rochester (AHL)	`21(53rd)	32	5	8	13	12
10	Vsevolod Komarov	D	20	6-2/182	Que-Dru (QMJHL)	`22(134th)	60	14	55	69	105
11	Nikita Novikov	D	20	6-4/198	Rochester (AHL)	`21(188th)	65	3	20	23	42
12	Prokhor Poltapov	LW	21	6-0/176	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	`21(33rd)	56	5	8	13	12
13	Jake Richard	RW	19	6-1/171	Connecticut (HE)	`22(170th)	36	7	11	18	6
14	Mats Lindgren	D	19	6-0/183	Red Deer (WHL)	`22(106th)	63	7	34	41	42
15	Topias Leinonen	G	19	6-5/234	JYP (Fin-Liiga)	`22(41st)	6	0	4	4.41	0.844

1. Matthew Savoie, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Savoie's a dynamic offensive threat with a lethal combination of speed, skill, and hockey sense. He can beat defenders with his skating ability and dangle his way through traffic to create scoring chances for himself and his linemates. He possesses a high-end shot with a knack for finding the net, and his vision on the ice allows him to set up teammates with pinpoint passes. Savoie has drawn comparisons to players like Patrice Bergeron and Aleksander Barkov, and for good reason. While not quite the physical force that Bergeron is, Savoie shares his intelligence and two-way ability. Similarly, Savoie's offensive game evokes Barkov's blend of skill and finesse. There are questions about Savoie's size (5’ 10”, 180 lbs) but his compete level and ability to play bigger than his frame help mitigate those concerns. Savoie is close to a sure thing at the NHL level. The only question mark is how quickly he can adapt to the pro game.

2. Devon Levi, G, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Devon Levi's meteoric rise through the NCAA ranks had scouts raving about his potential as a future NHL star. The buzz stemmed from his remarkable calmness in net, his ability to make highlight-reel saves with a feline grace, and his knack for stealing games for his team. Levi's arrival in the NHL hasn't quite been the seamless transition many expected. While the raw talent is undeniable, there's a sense that the pro game's quicker pace and tighter margins have exposed some weaknesses in his game. His save percentages haven't reached the heights he achieved in college, and there have been moments where his positioning seems a touch off. The key for Levi is to remain patient. Adjusting to the NHL is a challenge for any goalie, and Levi's underlying numbers suggest there's still plenty to be optimistic about. He has the tools to be a difference-maker at this level, but it might take some time for him to fully adjust and find his rhythm.

3. Jiri Kulich, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Kulich isn't the biggest forward on the ice, but he plays with a heart that belies his frame. He boasts a powerful skating stride that translates to dangerous rushes and the ability to create separation in tight spaces. Don't be fooled by his speed – Kulich isn't afraid to mix it up in the dirty areas. He battles for pucks along the boards with a willingness to go to the net to create scoring chances. But his true calling card is his offensive arsenal. He possesses a wicked wrist shot with a deceptive release, making him a constant threat from the perimeter. He's not a one-trick pony, though. Kulich displays slick hands and a knack for finding open ice in scoring areas. His hockey IQ shines in his ability to anticipate plays and make smart decisions. While all that is enticing, there's room for improvement in his overall strength. Consistency can also be a concern. If he addresses those issues, Kulich has top-six forward potential with a knack for scoring goals.

4. Noah Ostlund, C, Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)

Don't be fooled by his size – Noah Ostlund conducts the offense like a seasoned veteran. The Swedish center boasts a smooth skating stride and elite puckhandling ability, weaving through defenders with a magician's touch. His vision on the ice is a thing of beauty, threading needlepoint passes to spring linemates for breakaways. While not a prolific scorer himself, Ostlund elevates the play of everyone around him, a true playmaking maestro. Questions linger about his finishing touch. Despite flashes of a deceptive shot, consistency in finding the net remains a work in progress. Adding some physicality to his frame wouldn't hurt either, allowing him to battle harder in the trenches and win those board battles. Despite these areas for improvement, Ostlund's potential as a top-six center with elite playmaking skills is undeniable. If he can add some scoring punch and a bit of grit, he could become a difference maker at the NHL level.

5. Anton Wahlberg, C, Malmo Redhawks (SHL)

6. Isak Rosen, C/W, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Isak Rosen wasn't expected to light up the scoresheet in his second AHL season, but the young Swede did just that. After a decent rookie campaign, Rosen exploded offensively in 2023-24, putting up a respectable 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in 67 games for the Rochester Americans. His improved playmaking ability was particularly noteworthy, suggesting a well-rounded offensive skillset emerging. Questions linger, however. While he can create scoring chances, his finishing touch remains a work in progress. Consistency was also an issue – stretches of dominance were occasionally punctuated by quiet periods. Did Rosen finally earn his NHL call-up many predicted last season? The answer is a tantalizing ‘almost.’ He saw limited action with the Sabres, failing to register a point. His development this season was a positive step, but the jury's still out on his NHL readiness. Can he refine his finishing and translate his AHL success to the big leagues? The next year will be crucial in determining if Rosen becomes a reliable NHL contributor or remains a top AHL producer.

7. Maxim Strbak, D, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Drafted 45th overall by Buffalo, Maxim Strbak's freshman year at Michigan State was a solid, if unspectacular, debut. Known for his strong defensive positioning and ability to clear the crease, Strbak solidified himself as a reliable presence on the Spartans' blue line. While his offensive contributions were limited (two goals, nine points in 32 games), his defensive awareness and strong work ethic were valuable assets for the team. Strbak's skating remains a work in progress, particularly his top speed. This could limit his offensive upside at the NHL level. However, his ability to shut down plays, and make smart decisions with the puck, suggests he can carve out a niche as a dependable two-way defenseman. His development in the coming years will be crucial in determining whether he can become a top-four option for the Sabres.

8. Viktor Neuchev, LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Viktor Neuchev is a tantalizing prospect with a rare blend of speed, skill, and creativity. At 6’ 3” and 190 pounds, he has the frame to play a power-forward role at the NHL level. Neuchev possesses a heavy shot that he can unleash with a quick release. He’s also surprisingly nimble for his size, showing good edgework and acceleration. The Russian winger boasts elite-level quickness, able to separate from defenders with ease and generate high-danger scoring chances. His vision and anticipation are equally impressive, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. While Neuchev must continue to develop his physicality and defensive awareness, his upside is significant. With continued growth, he could become a dynamic, top-six forward and a key contributor on the power play. Neuchev's ceiling is high, and he's an exciting addition to the Sabres' prospect pipeline.

9. Aleksander Kisakov, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

A skating threat with high-end offensive instincts, Aleksandr Kisakov boasts exceptional speed, agility, and edge work, allowing him to weave around defenders and create high-danger scoring chances. Kisakov's vision and anticipation are impressive, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. He possesses a dangerous shot with a quick release, and his ability to create space for himself and his linemates makes him a constant offensive threat. Kisakov’s vision on the ice is a plus, and he’s not afraid to mix it up along the boards to win puck battles. With continued development, Kisakov has the offensive potential to become a top-six forward and a key contributor on the Buffalo Sabres' top lines, but his defensive awareness will need to see improvement if he is to reach that height. His upside as a playmaking, goal-scoring winger makes him an exciting prospect in the Sabres' system.

10. Vsevolod Komarov, D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Drafted 134th overall in 2022, the Sabres saw something in the 6’ 3”, 187-pound Vsevolod Komarov. The defender was coming off his first season in the QMJHL and while he had modest production, Buffalo believed in him. That appeared to be the right choice as the defenseman led all QMJHL defenders in assists (55) and points (69) this past season, earning him the Emile-Bouchard Trophy as the top defender in the league. The Russian defender has steadily improved since coming to North America, showing off creativity at the blue line, an ability to draw defenders in, and the knack for finding his open teammates. He’s not afraid to fire a shot himself either. Defensively, he utilizes his size very well, using his strength to muscle people off pucks and his reach to knock pucks away and get in the passing lanes. While there was some question about his upside and potential, Komarov is looking more and more like an NHL player.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

2021 NHL DRAFT: ATLANTIC DIVISION REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:40:04 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

Time to review the draft, in depth. As I have done in previous seasons, this review will cover the league one division at a time. For each team, we will offer a quick summary of their draft class, a deeper look at their first pick/first rounder(s), and then a look at what we think to be the best value pick of their draft class, and a final look at their worst value pick. Once the divisions have all been covered, a final article will go over some other miscellaneous trends of the draft that was (odds & ends), and the annual McKeens shadow draft class. Let’s dig in.

Atlantic Division

Luleå's Fabian Lysell during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Rögle and Luleå on 5 January 2021 in Ängelholm.
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN

Boston Bruins

1 (21) Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea HF (SHL)

3 (85) Brett Harrison, C, KOOVEE U20 (U20 SM-sarja)/Oshawa (OHL)

4 (117) Philip Svedeback, G, Vaxjo HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

5 (149) Oskar Jellvik, LW, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

6 (181) Ryan Mast, D, Sarnia (OHL)

7 (213) Andre Gasseau, C, USNTDP (USHL)

7 (217) Ty Gallagher, D, USNTDP (USHL)

The Bruins had used a lot of their picks in recent years on lower-upside, higher floor players, giving them a system with a lot of players with NHL projections, but few looking like top half of the lineup types. This year, Boston took a different approach, largely drafting for upside, seeing which players dropped and finding a home for them. Five of their seven picks were selected lower than we had them ranked. I also appreciated how they spread out their picks among the different on-ice positions, selecting one goalie, two blueliners, two wingers, and two centers. As for geography, they selected three players out of Sweden, two from the USNTDP, and two Ontarians, one of whom spent the year in Finland with the cancellation of the OHL season, and the other who didn’t see game action last year. So, no major trends of note here, but they commendably let the draft come to them, not even making any draft day trades to move up, down, in, or out.

First round pick – Fabian Lysell, RW, Lulea HF (SHL), 21^st overall

Although his profile was not without warts – some clubs were disconcerted by his request to be moved from Frolunda to Lulea mid-season last year, Lysell reminded the hockey world what he is capable of with a stellar showing at the World Under 18 tournament, where he tied for the team lead in scoring on the Bronze Medal winning Swedish side. He is an electrifying puck handler, and his development will include learning when to play it simple, and when unleash his creativity and skill. His talent level is rare and gives him top line upside if it all clicks. A pick to get excited about.

Best value pick(s) – Ty Gallagher, D, USNTDP (USHL), 217^th overall, & Ryan Mast, D, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 181^st overall

Although the Bruins didn’t select a defender until the sixth round, they ended the draft with a pair of pretty good ones. Mast is a big, shutdown type with a right-handed shot. He has never displayed much of an offensive side, at any level of his development, but he has always known how to take care of business in his own end. We highly suspect that had he played at all this year, he would have been drafted far earlier. As for Gallagher, he is the polar opposite style of defender compared to Mast. He is a riverboat gambler who gets dinged for skating concerns, but as the year progressed, he timed his risks much better and his ability to positively impact a shift grew exponentially, which included a stellar showing for Team USA at the WU18s. His rawness can be very frustrating at times, but he tries to make things happen, and has enough skill and hockey sense to succeed enough to be of value.

Worst value pick – Oskar Jellvik, LW/C, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), 149^th overall

I though about naming fourth round pick Philip Svedeback, a goalie who had been passed over in his first year of eligibility and was unrated by us – or any other public facing outlet, but he was also drafted by Dubuque in the USHL draft and will spend next season stateside. Jellvik was considered by our Swedish analyst, but despite solid numbers in the Swedish junior leagues, he doesn’t seem very projectable, with an average frame, and tools that project in the sphere of average across the board. He is only a fifth rounder, but there isn’t much to dream on.

Photo Courtesy of the University of Michigan

Buffalo Sabres

1 (1) Owen Power, D, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

1 (14) Isak Rosen, RW, Leksands IF (SHL)

2 (33) Prokhor Poltapov, LW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

2 (53) Alexander Kisakov, LW, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

3 (88) Stiven Sardaryan, RW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

3 (95) Josh Bloom, LW Saginaw (OHL)

4 (97) Olivier Nadeau, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

5 (159) Viljami Marjala, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)

6 (161) William von Barnekow, LW/RW, Tyringe SoSS (HockeyEttan)

6 (188) Nikita Novikov, D, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

7 (193) Tyson Kozak, C, Portland (WHL)

After four straight drafts of only selecting five or six players per year, it was good to see the moribund Buffalo franchise inject a ton of talent into their system, coming away from the 2021 draft with 11 new players, including multiple picks in each of the first three rounds. Still new GM Kevyn Adams has received criticism for a number of his early decisions running the Sabres, but it’s hard to find significant fault with his handling of this year’s draft, including the shipment of maligned defender Rasmus Ristolainen to Philadelphia for a mid-first round pick, Robert Hagg, and a 2023 second rounder in the hours before the first round began.

The picks themselves were very forward heavy, with nine forwards among the 11 picks, to go with two defenders. The Sabres also mixed up the pipelines they selected from, which included drafted players from a few areas that previous GM, Jason Botterill, notably overlooked in the CHL and Russia. Buffalo drafted one or two players from each CHL league, and four out of Russia. The remaining picks were from Sweden (2) and the NCAA (1 big one). As far as selecting for upside, which the McKeens rankings have a bias towards, most of the Sabres’ picks were selected around where we had them ranked – in fact, six of their selections were incredibly close to their ranking slot, while most of those we saw as reaches came in the last two rounds. We’ll get into the exception to that rule a little bit below.

First first round pick – Owen Power, D, Michigan (Big 10), 1^st overall

The pick of Power at first overall was a near no-brainer. He has virtually every tool and characteristic a team wants in a workhorse, number one defender. He is gigantic, skilled, solid in his own zone, skates well, even if he will never be mistaken for Cale Makar/Quinn Hughes. He has dominated against his age-peers, as well as against NHL veterans, such as he demonstrated at the World Championships. Power is going back to Michigan for his sophomore season, a decision supported publicly by Buffalo. He could play in the NHL now, but he could develop further collegiately, with a longer leash for risk taking. I still expect him to sign right after Michigan’s season ends, and finish up 2021-22 with the Sabres, what should be the beginning of a long run as a fixture for the team.

Second first round pick – Isak Rosen, RW/LW, Leksands IF (SHL), 14^th overall

Power was the clear choice at #1, but Rosen, selected with the primary pick received in the Ristolainen deal, was the prototype of the forwards that Buffalo targeted in the draft. Smallish (six of the nine forwards they drafted are either short, skinny, or both), incredibly skilled (the rest of the forwards all project to above average skill with the puck, although Rosen stands heads and shoulders above the others), and still just scratching the respective surfaces of their potential. Rosen had few opportunities to stick out when he was forced to play in the SHL last year due to the mid-season cancellation of Sweden’s junior leagues, but he proved his worth with a stellar showing at the U-18 championships.

Best value pick – Prokhor Poltapov, RW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL, 33^rd overall

In actuality, the Sabres did not select anyone below where we had him ranked, but as noted above, several came very, very close, including Poltapov, drafted exactly where we had him ranked. It would have been easy to go in a different direction after the selection of Rosen in the middle of the first, as Poltapov has a profile with a few similarities in size, and skill-based style of play, but the Sabres system needs a lot more skill to rise through the ranks, and I would be hard pressed to say that he had the most pure skill of anyone available after the first round was completed. I for one would love to watch a future forward line with Rosen and Poltapov on the flanks.

Worst value pick – Stiven Sardaryan, F, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL, 88^th overall

We did not have Sardaryan ranked at all, even in our extended list of roughly 600 names. That isn’t to say that he should not have been drafted under any circumstances, but that we felt that his production in the Russian junior leagues, where he was actually a teammate of Poltapov’s, was underwhelming. We were also not the only outlet to ignore him. Maybe he wasn’t being afforded enough opportunities, as he did not want to sign with the KHL club, given his desire to play collegiately at the University of New Hampshire. Sardaryan is expected to take his next steps in the USHL, where Youngstown drafted him this year. If Buffalo believes in his skill set, more power to them. But it seems very likely that he would have still been available one or two rounds later than where the Sabres selected him.

Frölunda's Simon Edvinsson during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Rögle and Frölunda on 28 December 2020 in Ängelholm.
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN

Detroit Red Wings

1 (6) Simon Edvinsson, D, Vasteras IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

1 (15) Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton (WHL)

2 (36) Shai Buium, D, Sioux City (USHL)

3 (70) Carter Mazur, LW, Tri-City (USHL)

4 (114) Redmond Savage, C, USNTDP (USHL)

5 (134) Liam Dower Nilsson, C, Frolunda J20 (SuperElit)

5 (155) Oscar Plandowski, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

6 (166) Pasquale Zito, C, Windsor (OHL)

As General Manager of the Red Wings, Steve Yzerman knows who he wants at the top, and grabs them, no matter how iconoclastic the selection is at that point. See Seider, Moritz from two years ago. Seen as a surprising overdraft at the time, he is now one of the top prospects in the sport and seemingly ready to break into the NHL now. The Wings took an elite-skilled forward up top last year in Lucas Raymond, but returned to building from the back out this year. At sixth overall, they selected a defender who holds some similarities to Seider in Simon Edvinsson, as big, smooth skaters with men’s league experience and untapped athleticism. Edvinsson may not be as advanced now as Seider was when he was drafted, but his tools give him a slightly higher upside if he can put it all together. Not long after selecting the big Swedish defender, Detroit traded a late 1^st rounder (part of the return from the Anthony Mantha trade) to Dallas to pick up the #15 pick, which they used to select the first goalie in the draft, the towering Sebastian Cossa. Many had Cossa ranked behind Sweden’s Jesper Wallstedt, but Yzerman likes who he likes and Cossa is a Wing.

Pick shuffling was a bit of theme for Detroit in this draft, as they did it again in the second round to grab USHL defender Shai Buium, and then traded down in the fourth round in order to acquire an extra pick in the fifth round. In the end, the eight players selected by the Red Wings were nicely divided between the positions, with two other defenders taken after Edvinsson, four forwards, and the one goalie in Cossa. They drafted two out of Sweden, three college-bound players from the USHL, and one player from each of the three CHL leagues. When the final chapter of this draft class is written, it will be judged on the top three picks’ (Edvinsson, Cossa, Buium) abilities to prevent goals far more than the production numbers any of the forwards may eventually put up.

First first round pick – Simon Edvinsson, D, Frolunda HC, SHL, 6^th overall

If Moritz Seider is the right-side first pairing defender of the future, we have to see Edvinsson as his partner on the left. A massive blueliner who has – by far – the best combination of speed and puck skills of any defender in this draft class, he spent most of his draft year playing against men in Sweden after the junior league was shut down, playing double digit games in both of Sweden’s top two leagues. He is rawer than Seider was in the latter’s draft year, but I expect him to continue to develop in the SHL this year, and his upside is as a Norris Trophy finalist.

Second first round pick – Sebastian Cossa, G, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), 15^th overall

The first goalie selected in the 2021 draft, Cossa was practically unbeatable in the WHL this year, with a .941 save percentage, and 17 wins in 19 games. The latter stat is not really that telling, but the first number is, and is a continuation of stellar netminding that Cossa has provided as far back as he has trackable stats. Between his size, athleticism, and ability to read the play develop, he should be expected to be the heir apparent to the crease in Detroit, even if we believed that Jesper Wallstedt, who Minnesota drafted five picks later, was the better prospect.

Best value pick – Liam Dower Nilsson, C, Frolunda J20 (J20 Nationell), 134^th overall

A remarkably polished, two-way center, Dower Nilsson is no one’s idea of a top six center, but he played a shutdown role as captain for Team Sweden at the U18 tournament and put up impressive numbers in both Sweden’s junior and third-tier men’s leagues last year. The skill set does not support those numbers continuing as a higher-level pro, but he can find a way to contribute and should have been selected at least one full round earlier than where Detroit nabbed him.

Worst value pick – Carter Mazur, LW, Tri-City Storm (USHL), 70^th overall

In his second year of draft eligibility, Mazur had a great season captaining Tri-City, and being drafted by his hometown team is a great story. He is a fun player to watch and a good reminder that development is not linear, as he did take a huge developmental step last year to earn being drafted. He ends up as the worst value pick however, over the anonymous Pasquale Zito, because Zito was a late round pick and Mazur was taken in the third round. Mazur’s tools don’t line up with his production and he lacks any one tool that would come up in an elevator pitch. If he reaches his ceiling as a bottom six winger, the pick will be correctly deemed a success, but there were still players on the board who have higher projected ceilings.

Mackie Samoskevich.. Photo Dan Hickling

Florida Panthers

1 (24) Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Chicago (USHL)

2 (56) Evan Nause, D, Quebec (QMJHL)

4 (120) Vladislav Lukashevich, D, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

5 (152) Kirill Gerasimyuk, G, SKA Varyagi (VHL)

6 (184) Jakub Kos, LW, Ilves U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

7 (210) Braden Hache, D, Kingston (OHL)

While I absolutely adored Bill Zito’s first draft class last year – it seemed as if he was simply drafting the best player among those remaining from the McKeens list at times – this one feels much more “meh”. Not a bad class by any stretch, just uninspiring. The 2021 Florida draft class consists of a goalie, three blueliners, and two wingers. The six picks were divided evenly between European talents (two Russians and a Czech) and North Americans (one each from the USHL, QMJHL, and OHL – the last of which spent the year on the sidelines given the OHL’s cancellation).

There was no real trend to note among the Panthers draftees. They took players with grades among the best in skating (Samoskevich) and physicality (Hache) in the draft class, but on the other hand, guys like Nause and Lukashevich are relatively well-rounded prospects, without any one selling tool. The five skaters all have decent size (Samoskevich is only 5-11”, but built stocky), and Hache and Kos both qualify as big, so perhaps size was important, although not in the same way that it was for the Ottawa Senators. There was one notable element of the Panthers experience at the draft that was not related to the players they selected, but connected to a pick they dealt away from 2022. On day two of the draft, the Panthers sent their 2022 first round pick, along with goaltending prospect Devon Levi to Buffalo for Sam Reinhart. So, if we include that deal in our assessment of this draft class, it’s an obvious win. We really shouldn’t though, so like all draft classes, we will wait and see.

First round pick – Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Chicago Steel (USHL), 24^th overall

Top end speed and top end skill. Based on the first half of his season, Samoskevich is not only a first round pick, but a top 15 pick, to boot. He is an incredible skater, combining both great speed and great edges, making him a four-directional threat. His puck skills were just as impressive. He utilizes his linemates expertly, uses his feet to create new passing lanes and very slick hands to put the puck on his linemate’s sticks. His draft season was interrupted by an injury, and for a lengthy stretch, Samoskevich was not the same player upon his return, although he still flashed it enough to be worthy of being picked where Florida called his name. He will be spending the next (at least) two years on campus with Michigan, and teamed up with a good finisher, will be deadly.

Best value pick – Vladislav Lukashevich, D, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL), 120^th overall

Second rounder Evan Nause was a consideration here, but he was never going to go more than 10 or so picks higher than where the Panthers selected him. Lukashevich, a surprise omission from the Russian U18 tournament roster, was seen as more likely to be taken as much as a full round higher than where Florida drafted him, even if he went higher than where we had him ranked. Although tall, he is physically immature, but all of his tools grade out as average or better. He skates well, he is a promising mover of the puck, and he does a solid job of battling for the puck even though most opponents have more bulk on their frames. He will never be flashy enough to be a top prospect, but he has sleeper written all over him.

Worst value pick – Kirill Gerasimyuk, G, SKA Varyagi (VHL), 152^nd overall

Very young for this draft class (he has a late August birthdate), Gerasimyuk was not on to many radars for the draft, considering the limited playing time he has so far had in his career. This isn’t really bad value, per se, just a pick with more risk attached than any of Florida’s others this time, even if Florida has done well drafting goalies.

Oliver Kapanen, Photo by Dan Hickling.

Montreal Canadiens

1 (31) Logan Mailloux, D, SK Lejon (HockeyEttan)/London (OHL)

2 (63) Riley Kidney, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

2 (64) Oliver Kapanen, C, Kalpa U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

3 (87) Dmitri Kostenko, D, Lada Togliatti (VHL)

4 (113) William Trudeau, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

5 (142) Daniil Sobolev, D, Windsor (OHL)

5 (150) Joshua Roy, RW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

6 (191) Xavier Simoneau, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

7 (214) Joe Vrbetic, G, North Bay (OHL)

I am generally not one to pass absolute judgement on a draft class before five years have passed, and even then, judgement will be provisional. But this class, despite including some solid players, is worse than a dud. And it earned that branding on day one, with the absurdly heartless selection of Logan Mailloux. The rumors that had followed the defender around for the previous few months had been enough for some clubs to mark him as a “DO NOT DRAFT”, but once the full details of his actions came to light, many others joined. When the player himself asked not to be drafted, there could only have been a handful of teams left who would even have considered him for the seventh round, much less round one. AITA? Yes, Mr. Bergevin, you are. The selection was callous, brazen, and an utter inability, or disregard to, reading the room.

In fairness to the other eight players selected by Montreal’s scouting staff, a few words then. Usually happy to minimize their QMJHL drafting, the Canadiens actually went heavy on their home turf this year, with four QMJHL draftees, including one (Xavier Simoneau), a third year eligible, who put up big numbers for years, but was ignored for his size. His recognition as the QMJHL and CHL Humanitarian of the Year two years ago does not redress the bad Mailloux karma, but good that Simoneau was drafted. Outside of the Q’, they selected two from Russia – one of whom was planning to play last year in the OHL and experienced a lost season as a result, one from Finland, and Mailloux and one other from the OHL. Their picks focused more on the defensive side of the game, with four blueliners plus one goalie, compared with four forwards. Size does not seem to have been a primary consideration.

First round pick – Logan Mailloux, D, SK Lejon (HockeyEttan)/London Knights (OHL), 31^st overall

Enough digital ink has been spilled by myself and many others about why Montreal should not have drafted Mailloux from a personal/personnel standpoint. But Montreal drafted him anyway and we should take a brief moment to discuss Mailloux as a hockey player. If he had not committed the crimes that he did, he would have been a reasonable, albeit not a slam dunk as a late first rounder, as we saw him in the second round before the full story of his actions was revealed. He is very big, moves well, plays a physical game. His offensive tools are fine, but his game is very raw and still mistake-prone. He is not a horrible prospect looking only at on-ice potential, but he is 100% not the caliber of player for whom you ignore or downplay his off-ice track record.

Best value pick – Joshua Roy, RW/C, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL), 150^th overall

Although his numbers have not yet caught up with his inherent skill set, it was not that long ago that Roy was coveted highly enough to be taken first overall in the QMJHL Entry Draft. Some teams were turned off by the fact that he forced a trade way from Saint John to Sherbrooke, even though it was largely a matter of homesickness, as his family was not able to leave Quebec to visit him in the Maritimes, due to COVID restrictions. So, I ask you, how does that push a gifted forward this far down draft boards while Mailloux’ actions seemingly bumped him up? It really boggles the mind. As for Roy, he has a great shot and fantastic puck skills, but his skating needs some work. Moderate improvements to his mobility could give him middle six value.

Worst value pick – Mailloux & Dmitri Kostenko, D, Lada Togliatti (VHL), 87^th overall

Enough about Mailloux. Kostenko isn’t bad. We had him ranked just outside our top 223, meaning we would not have drafted him if we were the GM of every single team, but we would have considered him and would not fault a team calling out his name in the fifth round or later. We just didn’t see a reason to really pull for him either. His offensive tools are solid, but his skating needs work, and his ability to process the game and make correct choices is lacking. Montreal has been right (at our expense) before with Russian defenders, as was the case with Alexander Romanov, who we also were not fond of, and if Kostenko is another Romanov, more power to him and Montreal. Making that bet in the third round is rich for me, though.

Tyler Boucher, Photo by Rena Laverty, USA Hockey

Ottawa Senators

1 (10) Tyler Boucher, RW, USNTDP (USHL)

2 (39) Zach Ostapchuk, C, Vancouver (WHL)

2 (49) Benjamin Roger, D, London (OHL)

3 (74) Oliver Johansson, C, Timra IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

4 (123) Carson Latimer, RW, Edmonton (WHL)

7 (202) Chandler Romeo, D, Hamilton (OHL)

Big boys only here. Ottawa gave us the first real surprise of the 2021 draft by selecting USNTDP power forward Tyler Boucher with the 10^th overall selection. More on Boucher below, but the pick was indicative that the Senators would be hunting for size and strength with their picks this year. Of their six picks, all are at least 6-0” tall, with three of them listed as over 6-3”. Not only tall, but only two of their picks weigh in at below 198 pounds. Unfortunately, in most of these picks, it looks like Ottawa sacrificed playing ability to get those big boys, which is not to say that they won’t see NHL value out of any of these picks, but that the approach will likely mean that they receive less value at the NHL level than they would have if skill/ability was their primary concern. Each and every player selected by Ottawa was drafted far ahead of where we had the player in question ranked, something we cannot say about any other team.

Beyond the size issue, there isn’t much noteworthy about the Senators’ picks, taken as a class. Lacking picks in either of the fifth or sixth rounds, but owning an extra second rounder, the team ended up with two players each from the WHL and OHL, one from the USHL, and one European, a Swede with the best skills of anyone among their picks. The picks were evenly split positionally, with two defenders, two centers, and two wingers.

First round pick – Tyler Boucher, RW, USNTDP (USHL), 10^th overall

A power winger who can dominate physically, Boucher, son of long time NHL goalie Brian Boucher, hasn’t topped the point-per-game rate since he was playing U14 hockey in New Jersey. He has decent offensive tools, when looked at in a vacuum, but has never put them to consistent use. There was some thought that some team would call out his name in the late first round, but 10^th overall was a shock, and that’s without even considering his injury history that kept him off the ice for much of his draft year. Some pundits reported that they looked to trade down, but couldn’t work out a deal that would still ensure they could land Boucher. I strongly suspect that this selection set the stage for a few other less-talented, but big/physical/gritty players to go in the first round that otherwise might not have.

Best value pick – Carson Latimer, RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), 123^rd overall

Technically, the Senators didn’t have a value pick this year, but Latimer is the closest to qualifying. He has good size with some physicality to go along with it, some skill with the puck, two-way ability, and knows how to fit in in a supporting role, which will be his sole path to the NHL. This is not a high upside player, but with some moderate improvement to his skating stride, could turn out to be a solid fourth round gamble.

Worst value pick – Zack Ostapchuk, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL), 39^th overall

In a draft class full of reaches, the selection of Ostapchuk in the early second round was the most egregious. His pros are his plus size, above average mobility, and nascent puck skills. None of those elements are truly top six caliber, and he hadn’t produced at a top six rate since his U15 days. This pick was made around two rounds too high. Ostapchuk making the NHL at all is no guarantee, and it is very hard to see anything more than a fourth rounder. The Senators went all in on their size strategy, and I have to assume that it is because the organization feels that the young players already in the pipeline will be taking over the top roles anyway. Regardless, there is a good chance that Ostapchuk would have been available one round – or more – later.

Dylan Duke. Photo Rena Laverty, USA Hockey

Tampa Bay Lightning

3 (96) Roman Schmidt, D, USNTDP (USHL)

4 (126) Dylan Duke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

5 (160) Cameron MacDonald, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

6 (192) Alex Gagne, D, Muskegon (USHL)

7 (196) Daniil Pylenkov, D, Podolsk (KHL)

7 (211) Robert Flinton, LW, St. Paul’s School (USHS-NH)

7 (224) Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

The last team to make their first pick this year, and then the last team to make any pick, a team’s draft class after winning the Stanley Cup – much less winning back-to-back Cups – is almost an afterthought. But we should never forget how instrumental good drafting – in all rounds – has been to Tampa’s recent run of success. We can’t say if the next Brayden Point will emerge from one of the seven players Tampa selected, all in the third round or later, but we shouldn’t be surprised if one or more of these mid-to-late round picks far exceeds his expected draft slot value.

Both of their first two selections (Roman Schmidt and Dylan Duke) were from the USNTDP. Two other picks were of US-based players headed for college. With the other three selections, we have one player each from Russia, Finland, and the QMJHL. The picks were a simple mix of four forwards and three defenders. Size seems to have been a consideration, with six of the seven picks (all except Duke) coming at a minimum size of 6-1”, 190. They had no problem picking up players who had been passed over in previous drafts, with Alex Gagne in his second year of eligibility and Daniil Pylenkov in his third.

First pick – Roman Schmidt, D, USNDTP (USHL), 96^th overall

Tampa’s first pick was the final selection of the third round, and with Schmidt, they added a physical specimen who combines immense size (6-6”, 209) with remarkable skating ability, and a willingness to play hard. The rest of his game s still pretty raw and prone to inconsistency on both sides of the puck, but early in the season he was given some consideration as a potential first rounder because of his two higher-end traits. Schmidt’s recent decision to forego college for Kitchener of the OHL does shorten his path to the pro game. He looks like an intriguing option for a bottom pair now, but if he adds offense to his game, that projection can easily improve.

Best value pick – Dylan Duke, C, USNTDP (USHL), 126^th overall

To be honest, had Tampa drafted Duke in the third and Schmidt in the fourth, it would have lined up far better in terms of the eventual value we expect out of each player, but size was paramount throughout this draft class, so flipping the script on these two makes sense, as there was probably a good chance that Schmidt would have been taken by another team before the Lightning had the chance to draft in the fourth round. Although smaller, Duke plays a very gritty game, thriving near the crease. He will have to learn to play on a lower line next year at Michigan, but his style is suited for that type of role. He isn’t (likely) the next Brayden Point, but Duke is likely to have had the greatest NHL value once all is said and done with this Tampa draft class.

Worst value pick – Robert Flinton, LW, St. Paul’s School (USHS-NH), 211^th overall

Truthfully, the only concern with Flinton is that nothing is really known about him. He played in a smaller prep school in his home state of New Hampshire and has no experience against top competition. He’s big and strong and has a solid snap shot, but he is mostly a mystery. Committed to Dartmouth for the 2022-23 season, he is expected to play in the USHL next season, most likely with Cedar Rapids. Flinton may be their worst value pick, but seeing as the pick was made late in the seventh round, where expected value is near nil, we at least know that the scout who pushed for him is happy, and morale is never a bad thing. This is more a statement that Tampa got solid to very good value out of the other six picks they made.

Matthew Knies. Photo by DAN HICKLING

Toronto Maple Leafs

2 (57) Matthew Knies, LW, Tri-City (USHL)

5 (153) Ty Voit, C, Sarnia (OHL)

6 (185) Vycheslav Peksa, G, Irbis Kazan (MHL)

This is easy. The Leafs only made three selections. One each from the USHL, the cancelled OHL, and Russia. Not much sense looking for patterns in a sample size of three, but the organization’s willingness to trade away their picks earlier in the year, after they were widely known to be one of the clubs who did not allow its scouts to attend games in person all year, is telling. They approached this draft class as a near afterthought, which I strongly suspect was a result of the bulk of leagues playing significantly condensed schedules. This is as close to opting out as a team could reasonably do.

First pick – Matthew Knies, LW, Tri-City Storm (USHL), 57^th overall

Knies had some first round buzz before the season started, considering his premium size and the playmaking chops he demonstrated with aplomb in 2019-20 as a USHL rookie. A bout with COVID led to a very slow start this year, both in terms of production and literally as a skater. He just looked heavy-footed. Knies picked it up as the season progressed and had some going back to the previous first rounder impression. He will have to improve his skating to maximize the rest of his game, but he is a smart enough forward to be able to succeed in a middle six if he can just get up to average mobility. Headed to play for Minnesota, Toronto will not rush him.

Best value pick – Ty Voit, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 153^rd overall

The Pittsburgh area native looked like a very promising playmaker as an OHL rookie in 2019-20, and might have gone off the board much higher than the late fifth round if he were bigger, or if the OHL had even an abbreviated season this year. He flashes high end puck skills, skates very well, and showed a clear propensity for making good decisions when he debuted with the Sting. He is no sure thing, but there are markers here of previous Toronto mid-round picks who either worked out, or are still young and trending in the right direction, like Adam Brooks, Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, Mikhail Abramov, or Nick Abruzzese.

Worst value pick – Vyacheslav Peksa, G, Irbis Kazan (MHL), 185^th overall

By process of elimination, the worst value can only have been from Toronto’s third and final selection, the unheralded netminder from Russia. Peksa was not on anyone’s radar. He played in only two games at any level in 2019-20, and 18 last year, where he was the backup to Vladimir Mosin in the regular season and played behind 2020 Toronto pick Artur Akhtyamov in the postseason. My guess is that the Leafs were comfortable with Peksa based on tracking the development of Akhtyamov. We will know a lot more about Peksa if he can finally play a full season as a starter. The fact he hasn’t done that yet – and he is already 19 years old - increases the risk factor. It would be easier to understand taking this type of a risk if the Leafs had a more normal sized draft class, but with only three players selected altogether, a more careful approach would have been preferred.

2021 NHL DRAFT: BUFFALO SABRES REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:20:24 +0000

Photo Courtesy of the University of Michigan

1 (1) Owen Power, D, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

1 (14) Isak Rosen, RW, Leksands IF (SHL)

2 (33) Prokhor Poltapov, LW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

2 (53) Alexander Kisakov, LW, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

3 (88) Stiven Sardaryan, RW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

3 (95) Josh Bloom, LW Saginaw (OHL)

4 (97) Olivier Nadeau, RW, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

5 (159) Viljami Marjala, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)

6 (161) William von Barnekow, LW/RW, Tyringe SoSS (HockeyEttan)

6 (188) Nikita Novikov, D, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

7 (193) Tyson Kozak, C, Portland (WHL)

First first round pick – Owen Power, D, Michigan (Big 10), 1^st overall

Second first round pick – Isak Rosen, RW/LW, Leksands IF (SHL), 14^th overall

Best value pick – Prokhor Poltapov, RW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL, 33^rd overall

Worst value pick – Stiven Sardaryan, F, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL, 88^th overall