The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. 117 readers ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2025. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
-ep.jpg)
Viktor Neuchev
Drafted: 2022 – 3rd Round (74th Overall)
Position: Left Winger
Born: October 25th, 2003 – 21 Years Old
2024-2025 Stats: 39 GP | 7G, 15A (ROC)
2024 Calder Cup Playoffs: 2 GP | 0G, 1A (Did not participate in 2025)
2024 T25U25 Ranking: 20
Russian-born winger Viktor Neuchev is still very new to the professional hockey scene. However, his overall experience spans from the Russia Under-16 League to the KHL – among others – and now on the AHL as an auspicious future Sabre (signed to an entry-level contract in 2023). Below are some highlights, including his very first KHL goal and participation in a Sabres prospects match:
He has shown much promise in Rochester, too, as he finds his footing, gradually gaining some confidence and contributing offensively to his team. In 96 career games so far with the Amerks, Neuchev tallied 50 points and went one-for-three in the shootout:
Unfortunately, his season was cut short this past year due to shoulder surgery, so he has just one AHL post-season under his belt. His surgery was successful, though, and he is expected to pick up right where he left off after leaving the ice this past March.
While he has been deemed fun to watch, one common criticism of Neuchev is his inconsistency on the ice – showing bursts of offensive greatness followed by some scoreless streaks. While it can be argued that this happens with most players, it is something that should be looked at early on in a player’s development and, of course, closely throughout. Consistency and confidence are always idiosyncrasies to improve upon (perhaps a PSA for most of Buffalo’s prospects and players…) and it will be interesting to see if the Russian winger can prove himself and earn a spot in the NHL as soon as this upcoming season.
