Here’s a quick update on the prospects the Sabers picked in 2021 who aren’t in the NHL yet:
Olivier Nadeau – RW – 97th overall
The leading scorer in the QMJHL, Nadeau had 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 41 games for Jacksonville of the ECHL last season and scored a goal in a short five-game sweep at Rochester. After starting the season and playing two games in October, the 21-year-old was sent down to the ECHL to get playing time and scored six goals in 11 games for the Icemen, but has since been recalled on December 5.thhe has only played one game for the Americans.
Viljami Marjala – LW- 159th overall
After playing part-time with TPS Turku in 2023, Marjala led the club in scoring with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 60 games, and had nine points in the playoffs. The 21-year-old is having another good year in Liiga this season, with 29 points in 29 games, but has only scored six goals so far.
William Von Barnekow – C – 161st general
Von Barnekow came out of the SHL’s Malmo Redhawks minor league program and averaged over a point per game in his draft year and the following year at the minor level. He is now 22 years old, 6’3”, 190 lb. center hasn’t created a significant offense in his first two seasons (1 goal, 2 assists in 26 games) and seems to be a long shot to reach North America.
Nikita Novikov – D – 188th overall
6’3”, 207 lb. The blueliner arrived in North America after playing for two years with Dynamo Moscow and settled in well as usual with the Rochester Americans, with 23 points (3 goals, 20 assists) in 65 games. The 21-year-old got plenty of ice time and opportunity at the Sabers Prospect Challenge in September and hasn’t been producing at his usual pace, with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 29 games with the Americans. the season.
Nikita Novikov likes to attack the game and here he did just that with his third goal of the year to give ROC a quick 1-0 lead in Syracuse. pic.twitter.com/QqkSsRw5xL
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) December 21, 2024
Tyson Kozak – C – 193rd overall
After two seasons as a depth player and 10 goals in 96 AHL games, the 21-year-old Kozak started this season with six goals in 20 games, and was called up to the NHL by the Sabers club that desperately needed a spark. . After being robbed of his first NHL goal in his first game due to goaltender interference, Kozak scored against Utah on December 7, but was demoted a few days later.
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