Novikov - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres extend qualifying offers to two players, pass on four

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Peyton Krebs and Olen Zellweger.

Four players – defenseman Zac Jones, Nikita Novikov and Isaac Belliveau and winger Olivier Nadeau – did not receive a qualifying offer, making them free agents.

Krebs, 25, has established himself as one of the Sabres’ most versatile forwards. He’s eligible for arbitration.... Read the full article

Russian prospect Prokhor Poltapov could join Sabres next year

ORCHARD PARK – Over the 2021 and 2022 drafts, the Sabres took some big swings by drafting six Russians, including four in the second and third rounds.

Just one, defenseman Vsevolod Komarov, a strong prospect with the Rochester Americans, finished last season under contract in the organization.

So far, zero have played an NHL game. That could, however, change next year.... Read the full article

Rochester Amerks loan Sabres prospect Nikita Novikov to Kings’ AHL affiliate

The Rochester Americans today loaned Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Nikita Novikov to the Ontario Reign and received forward Kaleb Lawrence back from the Los Angeles’ Kings AHL affiliate back in a corresponding move.

Novikov, 22, spent the last three seasons with the Amerks, compiling 15 goals, 62 points, 138 points and a plus-54 rating in 183 games.

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Russian has registered six goals, 18 points, 44 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating in ... Read the full article

Devon Levi, Konsta Helenius among players Sabres assign to Rochester

BUFFALO – Goalie Devon Levi and forward Konsta Helenius were among 24 players the Sabres assigned to the Rochester Americans following Saturday afternoon’s 5-2 preseason win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Levi, 23, is expected to begin the year as Rochester’s No. 1 goalie after securing an NHL roster spot out of training camp in each of his first two seasons.

Meanwhile, Helenius, 19, recorded one goal and three points in four exhibition games. In ... Read the full article

In USHL star Luke Osburn, Sabres might have special defense prospect

BUFFALO – Rochester Americans coach Mike Leone understands talking about a prospect in the same breath as a current or former NHL star can create unrealistic expectations.

Still, he wanted to illustrate how much Luke Osburn, a high-scoring defenseman the Sabres drafted in the fourth round in 2024, has impressed him.

“It’s an unfair comparison, but you know when Duncan Keith played, he was really wiry and his skating ability,” Leone said of the former ... Read the full article

‘Window’s closing’ for Sabres prospect Aleksandr Kisakov in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In his third and likely final season here, Buffalo Sabres prospect Aleksandr Kisakov has become a spare part, playing just seven of the Americans’ first 45 games.

The Russian winger enjoyed semi-regular duty in his first two AHL campaigns, playing 48 and 32 games, respectively, before sitting out in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

But this year, Kisakov, 22, has often been a healthy scratch for weeks at a time, earning only occasional action.... Read the full article

Sabres send 10 players to Rochester Amerks, waive six others

The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday loaned 10 players, including center Konsta Helenius, their first-round pick earlier this year, to the Rochester Americans and placed six players on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to their AHL affiliate.

The Sabres also released nine players who are expected to join the Amerks from their training camp tryouts and returned goalie Scott Ratzlaff to the Seattle Thunderbirds, his junior team.... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects get final chance to impress

Two wins and a third-period lead against an NHL lineup isn’t bad, right? The group of Sabres closing out the preseason in Buffalo as the regular team prepares for Friday’s season opener in Czechia has looked impressive.

Following two 3-2 road wins, a team mostly comprised of Rochester Americans led the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Saturday before falling 6-3.

Tonight against the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center, that group B group closes out ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Buffalo’s prospects face stiff test in Columbus

The Buffalo Sabres’ squad comprised of prospects and AHL talent has exceeded expectations, winning both of its outings since the regular roster traveled overseas.

In each of those 3-2 road victories – Tuesday in Pittsburgh and Thursday in Ottawa, a game in which 2022 first-round pick Noah Ostlund scored in overtime – neither opponent dressed much NHL talent.

So tonight’s contest in Columbus will be the B team’s stiffest team. The Blue Jackets’ lineup will ... Read the full article

Sabres preseason: Noah Ostlund, other prospects earn another game

BUFFALO – When the Sabres split into two groups Tuesday – the regular team traveled overseas to start the season, while the B group stayed here to complete training camp – a special opportunity materialized for some players.

Prospects and minor leaguers who would’ve normally received little or no action have an extended look as the Sabres complete their preseason schedule.

On Tuesday, a group filled with youngsters and AHL talent won a 3-2 road ... Read the full article