One of college hockey’s youngest players has found an NHL home with the Buffalo Sabres. Ilia Morozov. The 17 year old freshman played top line minutes for the RedHawks all season, accumulating 20 points (eight goals + 12 assists) in 36 games. Morozov is one of the cornerstones of a resurgent Miami program under Head Coach Anthony Noreen.

Miami’s bench boss was previously the President of Hockey Operations for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm, who selected Morozov for junior hockey.

Noreen had high praise for his current centermen and told me before the draft what any team, now the Buffalo Sabres, can expect out of Morozov.

“Elite character, elite compete level and a 200 foot player that’s just going to keep getting better because of the way he approaches the game and how intentional he is with his training, and his practice habits.”

Morozov’s intensity and constant motor pairs well with his imposing six-foot-three, 201 pound frame. Given his young age, his physique is likely to grow further as he progresses through college hockey.