OTP - Can Kulich Fill A Top-Six Role? Here is an update on the players selected at the 2022 NHL Draft in Montreal not currently in the NHL: Noah Ostlund – C – 16th overall Ostlund thrived in a top-line role, playing under pressure and in the spotlight at the World Juniors in Sweden, with 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in seven games and was also a solid contributor for Vaxjo in the SHL (12 goals, 11 assists in 38 games) last season before joining Rochester at the end of the AHL regular season. The 20-year-old played on the wing mostly during the Prospects Challenge and preseason, and Amerks coach Michael Leone indicated that he would get some opportunity at center in his first season in North America. Ostlund has one goal in his first five games with Rochester this season. Topias Leinonen– G – 41st overall It is a key year for the big 20-year-old Finn, who lost most of last season due to injury, playing just eight games between his Liiga club (JyP) and KeuPa in the second-level Mestis league. To get more of an opportunity to play, Leinonen headed to Sweden to play for Mora IK in the second-level HockeyAllsvenskan, and thus far, he has played in nine of Mora’s 12 games, with a 4-4-0 record, 2.40 GAA, and .904 save percentage. Viktor Neuchev – LW – 74th overall After playing a full season in the KHL with Ekaterinburg Automobilst, Neuchev came to North America and started in Rochester and as a rookie scored 28 points (11 goals,17 assists) last season. The 21-year-old was used heavily at the Prospects Challenge and the Sabres have to be encouraged by his start with the Amerks this season, as he leads the club with five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in five games. Vsevolod Komarov D - 134th overall The big 20-year-old Russian is making the transition from junior to professional hockey after winning a Memorial Cup and being named the QMJHL’s top defenseman and First Team All-Star last season and will likely be concentrating on developing his defensive game in Rochester as a rookie. In five games, Komarov has one assist and six penalty minutes. Follow Michael on X @MikeInBuffalo [https://twitter.com/MikeInBuffalo]
