We’re two days into Buffalo Sabres rookie camp, giving us a good introduction to the prospects in attendance. Each player brings a different dynamic to the group, as the Sabres have done a good job diversifying the prospect pool. Ahead of tomorrow’s Game One of the Sabres Prospects Challenge, let’s divulge some of the standout traits within the group.
If you’re unfamiliar with most of the rookies in attendance, the roster primarily consists of Canadian Junior players and those reporting to AHL Rochester. A handful of highly drafted NHL hopefuls should also stick around for Sabres training camp.
Let’s use one word to describe the prominent traits each player has displayed so far to get a better idea of what each player brings to the roster.
Forwards
Isak Rosen
Trait: Anticipatory
If there’s one player who is in complete control of what’s going on in drills, it’s Isak Rosen. The speedy winger is using his quickness and skill to get up the ice and finish plays. What stands out though is his ability to make good reads and stay ahead of the puck. This anticipation shows that he’s ready to make plays at higher speeds, which bodes well for his NHL outlook.
Noah Ostlund
Trait: Smooth
There’s a calmness about Noah Ostlund’s game that lulls you into a false security as a defender. Next thing you know, he’s a stride ahead or whipping a dangerous pass right by you. His smooth approach should be on full display for the Sabres during the Prospects Challenge.
Jiri Kulich
Trait: Shooter
Jiri Kulich admitted he’s learned his one-dimensional shooting approach is not going to work long-term. Although he worked hard to round out his game, it’s hard not to notice the effectiveness of his shot above all else.
Anton Wahlberg
Trait: Presence
Rochester Americans head coach Vinny Prospal used the word “size” after today’s skate, but there is a certain presence about Anton Wahlberg when he’s on the ice. Yes, he’s bigger than most, but it’s the way he carries himself and uses that size that shows early signs of a puck-dominant player. He can climb the Sabres organizational depth chart with a good performance at the Prospects Challenge.
Konsta Helenius
Trait: Dog
There are a lot of words to describe Konsta Helenius. Undoubtedly, he’s a “dog” in the sense that he hounds the puck. He’s a relentless and aggressive defensive player, which only adds to the playmaking skill he’s exhibited since coming to Buffalo.
Viktor Neuchev
Trait: Slick
With the puck, no one in rookie camp is as slick as Viktor Neuchev. His willingness to hold onto the puck for an extra dangle is risky, as it can either result in a “wow” play or put him in danger of a big hit. If Neuchev can learn the right time to pull a slick move and protect his 5’11”, 171-pound frame, he’ll be a better player for it.
Aleksandr Kisakov
Trait: Crafty
Similar to Neuchev, Aleksandr Kisakov is creative with the puck. A stronger ability to score and an awareness without the puck will lift Kisakov’s game to the next level, should he take advantage of playing with better linemates.
Ethan Miedema
Trait: Tempo
Comparable to Wahlberg, Ethan Miedema exhibits a combination of size and skill that can give the defense fits. What sets Miedema apart though is the pace at which he operates. His high-tempo mentality helps catch defenders on their heels, and it’s something that makes him noticeable whenever he has the puck.
Tyson Kozak
Trait: Heady
Without seeing him in a game atmosphere, you get the sense that Tyson Kozak is one of those players who performs better in games. He’s very defensively aware and a good forechecker, which are traits that can sometimes get overshadowed in a practice setting.
Olivier Nadeau
Trait: Rock
Olivier Nadeau’s strong, low center of gravity makes it hard to knock him off the puck in tight-area battle drills. Around the net, he’s a pain to move. He likes to use his good outside shot, but if he works harder to get to the dirty areas, he’ll demonstrate the most value there.
Tyler Tullio
Trait: Steady
Flashiness isn’t really Tyler Tullio’s thing, as he’s more of a steady, reliable winger who will give you quality shifts when called upon. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets any extended run with some of the top offensive players in the tournament, as he seems to be able to fit on a line with anyone.
Ty Cheveldayoff
Trait: Complementary
Ty Cheveldayoff has a bit of everything you look for in a forward – size, skill, effort, and awareness. Nothing has stood out so far, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help the team win in whatever situation he finds himself in.
Riley Fiddler-Schultz
Trait: Involved
There is a certain “glue-guy” factor that Riley Fiddler-Schultz brings to practices. He’s chatting, poking, and prodding to keep him and his teammates competitive and involved at all times.
Defensemen
Ryan Johnson
Trait: Confident
As you might expect from the player on the roster with the most NHL experience, Ryan Johnson is the most confident player through two days of Sabres Rookie Camp. The second-year defenseman is undoubtedly NHL-ready, and he’ll have the Prospects Challenge and preseason to surpass a few depth defensemen currently slotted ahead of him in the pecking order.
Vsevolod Komarov
Trait: Imposing
Don’t let the high point totals in the QMJHL fool you, Vsevolod Komarov is a big, imposing defenseman. The 6’4″ Russian defenseman uses a smaller stick and favors the offensive side of the game, but no one is taking runs at him and landing on their feet.
Nikita Novikov
Trait: Director
Nikita Novikov is by all accounts a defensive defenseman. He is noticeably commanding back there, directing his defense partner and forcing the rush where he wants it to go. Johnson aside, Novikov should command top defensive minutes for the Sabres at the Prospects Challenge and in Rochester this season.
Norwin Panocha
Trait: Long
Some defensemen take up a bigger area in the defensive zone by their reach alone, and Norwin Panocha is one of those players. He’s listed as two inches smaller than Komarov, yet his longer stick helps him break up more plays.
Noah Laaoan
Trait: Noticeable
Although he’s on an AHL deal and slotted down the depth chart, Noah Laaoan is very noticeable after two days of rookie camp. The right-shot defenseman is making the most of his reps in drills and has had some impressive finishes and pass break-ups along the way. He’s an underdog story to watch in the Prospects Challenge.
Jack Bodin
Trait: Chameleon
Jack Bodin has fit nicely as the only non-roster invite to rookie camp. There’s nothing that has implied he’s out of place through two days, which should earn him some praise. He’ll have to show more in the games to demonstrate a professional future.
Goalies
Scott Ratzlaff
Trait: Vibrant
Scott Ratzlaff showed off his athleticism in the Sabres Development Camp in July and, so far, we’ve seen no different from him. He’s comfortable in the butterfly and willing to flop around a bit to make a cross-ice save. Whether that will yield consistent results is the question.
Ryerson Leenders
Trait: Smart
If Ryerson Leenders is going to make it as a pro, it will be through economic and strategic movements. He’s made a few big saves so far thanks to his positioning, and has even brought out the stick to poke check and intercept some dangerous plays.
