The Sabres had 11 picks in 2021, including top pick Owen Power
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 big-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. In his first game with the Amerks this season, the 21-year-old had an assist on Zach Metsa’s goal in a 6-1 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.
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 off to another quick start in Liiga this season, with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in nine games this season.
William Von Barnekow – C – 161st overall
Von Barnekow is out of the SHL’s Malmo Redhawks junior system and averaged over a point per game in his draft year and the following year at the junior level. The 21-year-old struggled to generate offense in his first two seasons, with just 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 48 games last season. This season, he has two assists in 11 games.
Nikita Novikov – D – 188th overall
The 6’3”, 207 lb. blueliner came to North America after playing two years with Dynamo Moscow and settled in nicely as a regular 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 Sabres Prospect Challenge in September and has four points (1 goal, 3 assists) with the Amerks this season.
Tyson Kozak – C – 193rd overall
After two seasons as mostly a depth player and 10 goals in 96 AHL games, the 21-year-old Kozak has started out this season with three goals in five games, including a tally in the Amerks 6-1 win over Cleveland on Wednesday.
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