Buffalo Sabres Prospect Update – 2021 Draftees – Part 2
2021 draftee Tyson Kozak has played 16 games for the Sabres this season. 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. 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.
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 21-year-old is having another good offensive year in Liiga this season and is tied for the 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.
Other Sabres Stories
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. Now 22, the 6’3”, 190 lb. center is not generating any significant offense 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 the Rochester Americans, 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, he now has 18 points (5 goals, 13 assists) in 56 games this season. https://x.com/SabresProspects/status/1903923690338934838
Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo