Here is a quick update on the prospects the Sabres selected in 2021 who are not currently in the NHL:
Olivier Nadeau – RW – 97th overall
A scoring winger 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 brief five-game stint in Rochester. After starting the season and playing two games in October, the 22-year-old was sent to the ECHL to get playing time, but after being recalled on December 5th, he played only two games for the Amerks before being sent back down to Florida.
The 6’1’, 197 lb. forward doubled his offensive totals with the Icemen, compiling 50 points (28 goals, 22 assists) in 48 games. With the prospect of young forwards graduating from the Amerks to the NHL next season, it is possible that Nadeau will play full time in the AHL next season.
Viljami Marjala – LW – 159th overall
After playing part-time with TPS Turku in 2023, Marjala scored 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 60 games, and had nine points in the playoffs. The 22-year-old had another good offensive year in Liiga this season and tied for his club’s scoring lead with 52 points (8 goals, 44 assists) in 54 games. The second straight solid season will likely mean the Sabres will attempt to get the 22-year-old signed to an entry-level contract this summer.
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William Von Barnekow – C – 161st overall
Von Barnekow came out of the SHL’s Malmö Redhawks junior system and averaged over a point per game in his draft year and the following year at the junior level. Now 22, the 6’3”, 190 lb. center did not generate any significant production in his third SHL season (5 goals, 5 assists in 52 games) and at this point appears to be a longshot to ever come to North America.
Nikita Novikov – D – 188th overall
The 6’4”, 205 lb. blueliner came to North America after playing two years with Dynamo Moscow and settled in nicely as a regular with Rochester, with 23 points (3 goals, 20 assists) in 65 games. The 21-year-old is getting plenty of ice time with the Amerks, and after a slow start, finished his second season with very similar stats (6 goals, 14 assists in 68 games) this season. Novikov has one assist in five playoff games for the Amerks.
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