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 50 contests this season.
Former Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams drafted Novikov in the sixth round in 2021, 188th overall. His entry-level contract expires following the season.
Lawrence, 23, spent most of the last two seasons with the Reign, recording six goals, 11 points, 51 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating in 41 games.
The Kings drafted the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Lawrence in the seventh round in 2022, 215th overall.