Ostlund - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Rochester’s Noah Ostlund establishing himself as Sabres’ top prospect

ROCHESTER – In the midst of a torrid two-month stretch in which Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund has developed into the Americans’ top center, one particular night stands out to coach Mike Leone.

“The biggest one for me is we go to Syracuse, which is arguably the hardest place to play in the league,” Leone told the Times Herald. “It’s a real heavy, hard game. They’re really physical.”

That game, a 4-3 overtime victory Feb. ... 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 prospect Noah Ostlund playing mature defensive game in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund possesses maturity rarely seen in rookies.

Mike Leone said Ostlund, 20, is perhaps the most responsible player in the defensive zone he has ever coached. Vinny Prospal said the coaches don’t worry when the Swede’s line is playing in its own zone.

Ostlund, a center the Sabres drafted 16th overall in 2022, arrived in North America late last season. He has played just 10 games for the Americans ... Read the full article

Sabres prospects Noah Ostlund, Tyson Kozak out injured with Rochester

ROCHESTER – Buffalo Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund scored one goal this season before getting injured.

“Not many guys can have an impact on a game when they’re not producing the offense,” Americans coach Mike Leone said of the center.

Meanwhile, Tyson Kozak, another versatile forward prospect, scored a team-leading five goals before going down.... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Tyson Kozak off to hot start with Rochester Amerks; Noah Ostlund scores first goal

ROCHESTER – The most impressive part of Buffalo Sabres prospect Tyson Kozak’s performance Wednesday wasn’t the goal he scored by driving to the net and deftly backhanding a rebound in.

No, while Kozak displayed tenacity and skill in scoring his team-leading third goal, his play later in the Americans’ 6-1 win was more notable.

With the Amerks comfortably up 5-0, he raced into his own zone to thwart a breakaway attempt by the Cleveland Monsters.... Read the full article

Before first season with Amerks, Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund dazzles in NHL

BUFFALO – Sometimes the NHL preseason must be analyzed appropriately. What kind of competition was that prospect who scored a nifty goal or enjoyed a standout night facing? Was he competing against top talent or minor leaguers and undersized youngsters?

If you dissect Sabres prospect Noah Ostlund’s recent exploits – the center scored one goal, an overtime winner, and four points in four exhibition outings – everything probably looks more impressive than first thought.

Ostlund, ... 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

Sabres preseason: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund set to make debuts

BUFFALO – Fresh off two exhibition wins in which they dressed a regular-season lineup and throttled the competition, the Sabres will use minor leaguers for tonight’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Later today, about 25 or so Sabres will leave for the team’s season-opening trip to Europe. Meanwhile, the rest of the training camp roster will stay in Buffalo and complete the preseason schedule.

So tonight’s roster is filled with AHL and ECHL talent. ... Read the full article

Size, skill make Sabres’ Anton Wahlberg intriguing prospect: ‘Maybe a steal’

BUFFALO – Vinny Prospal listened to the question about Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg’s brief stint with the Rochester Americans, leaned forward to the microphone and offered a one-word answer.

“Size,” a smiling Prospal said of what stood out about the youngster.

When Wahlberg, 19, arrived in Rochester late last season, his 6-foot-3, 198-pound frame quickly grabbed the assistant coach’s attention.

Among Amerks forwards last year, only 6-foot-5 Brett Murray was taller. Among drafted Sabres forwards ... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius among first-rounders on Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster

Five first-round picks, including centers Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall selection this year, and Jiri Kulich, who scored 27 goals in the AHL last season, highlight the 22-man Prospects Challenge roster the Buffalo Sabres released Tuesday.

Forwards Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen and defenseman Ryan Johnson are the other Buffalo first-rounders who will be participating in the rookie camp tournament that runs from Friday until Monday at LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article