NHL Prospect Watch: Buffalo Sabres – 2025 Draft Highlights
NHL prospect watch. Buffalo Sabres 2025 draft highlights. NHL prospect spotlight. Buffalo Sabres. As we gear up for the 202526 hockey season, we are taking a closer look at the Western Hockey League WHL prospect pool for all 32 NHL teams. This series aims to showcase both current and former WHL players who are either under NHL contracts, have recently been drafted, or fit the NHL’s rookie criteria. Today, we focus on the Buffalo Sabres and their standout selection from the 2025 NHL draft. Tyson Kak. Let’s give a warm welcome to Tyson. This 22-year-old made his NHL debut on December 5th, 2024 against the Winnipeg Jets. Although he had a goal disallowed, he still managed to contribute with a shot, two hits, and five faceoff victories in his inaugural game with the Sabres. Over the course of the 2024 25 season, Kak had five stints in the NHL, netting three goals and two assists across 21 games. Standing at 5′ 11 in and weighing 185 lbs, this centerman also shown in the AHL with the Rochester Americans, racking up 14 points, eight goals, and six assists in 31 regular season games. His impressive performance led to a three-year contract extension with Buffalo on July 1st, 2025. Hailing from Sorus, Manitoba, Kak has defied the odds as a late round draft pick in both the WHL and NHL. He began his journey with the Portland Winterhawks, selected in the sixth round of the 2018 draft and eventually earned the captaincy of this prestigious US Division team. over 152 regular season WHL games. He accumulated 48 goals and 61 assists for a total of 109 points, culminating in a remarkable 32 goal season in his final year of eligibility. The Sabres picked him in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL draft. Riley Fiddler Schultz, the former WHL Humanitarian of the Year, has proven that the NHL draft is just the beginning of a journey as he secured his first NHL contract as a free agent in July 2025. After graduating from the Calgary Hitman, Fiddler Schultz signed an AHL contract with the Rochester Americans and found his rhythm in his second professional season. The 6′ 201b forward recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for a total of 26 points in 51 regular season games with the Americans during the 202425 season along with three points, one goal, and two assists in eight playoff games. Now at 23 years old, he signed a 2-year entry-level contract in early July. Fiddler Schultz spent five seasons with the Hitman, leaving behind a legacy as both a captain and a community leader. He amassed 189 career points, 77 goals, and 112 assists in 246 games, earning first all-star team honors in the WHL Central Division in 2023, and making the second All-Star team in 2022. In 2020, he was awarded the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy for humanitarian of the year. Norwin Pinocha, the 6’2″, 192 lb defenseman from Bayroy, Germany, had a brief stint with the Prince Albert Raiders during the 2024 to 25 season. Playing three games before moving on to compete in the USHL and with Icebar Berlin in the Dell. Across these three leagues, Pinocha recorded five assists in 34 regular season games. Icebar in Berlin finished second in the regular season standings, and Pinocch participated in 11 playoff games as the team clinched its second consecutive DEL Championship. The Sabres selected him with the 205th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL draft. Radim Mertka, get ready for big things from this towering Czech player. Mertka was the highest WHL player selected in the 2025 NHL draft, going ninth overall, and he has already signed a three-year entry-level contract with Buffalo. In his first season in North America, he excelled with the Seattle Thunderbirds, scoring three goals and providing 32 assists for a total of 35 points, along with a plus 10 rating in just 43 regular season games. His outstanding performance placed him second on the Thunderbirds in assists and plus minus and fifth in points while he played a crucial role on both the power play and penalty kill. The 6’6 207-lb defenseman also contributed three assists in six playoff games as Seattle faced off against the regular season champion Everett Silver Tips. Mertka was selected by the Thunderbirds with the 71st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 CHL import draft. He has also represented his country at the 2025 IIHFU8 World Championship where he scored one goal and three assists in five games and at the 2024 Helinka Gretzky Cup where he recorded two assists to help his team earn a silver medal. I just enjoyed my life and my family just tried to keep me enjoying life and I kind of found a love for the sport by myself. Scott Ratzlaf. Scott Ratzlaf, the alternate captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds, has achieved three consecutive seasons with over 20 wins alongside his teammate Murka, helping the 2023 WHL champions return to the playoffs. At 20 years old, Ratzlav posted a record of 23 wins, 19 losses, three overtime losses, and one shootout loss with a 3.16 goals against average, a 910 save percentage, and one shut out. All while facing the third most shots and saves of any goalender in the league. The 6’1, 178-lb goalie also had a playoff record of two wins, two losses, and two overtime losses with a 3.30 GA and.919 save percentage. Although his season concluded in a tense game six goalender duel against the Silver Tips, ending in a one zero score. Ratzlaf was a finalist for the Dell Wilson Memorial Trophy for WHL Goalender of the Year, made the 20242 WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team, and earned WHL Goender of the Week honors on February 18th, 2025. Buffalo selected him in the fifth round, 141st overall, of the 2023 NHL draft, and signed Ratzlaf to a three-year entry-level contract in October 2024. This is just a glimpse of the impressive achievements of Buffalo Sabres prospects Redeem Murka and Scott Ratzlaugh during the season. What do you think? Are these players poised to make a significant impact in the NHL? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Top five Buffalo Sabres prospects to watch for 202526 NHL season. Imagine a future where the Buffalo Sabres dominate the ice and you’ll see the names Helenius Merta and Osland leading the charge. These aren’t just prospects. They’re the future stars of the team. And one of them, Rosen, might even make his NHL debut this very season. But here’s where it gets controversial. While some fans are thrilled about the potential of these young talents, others argue that the Sabres should focus more on veteran players to secure immediate success, let’s dive into the top five prospects who are set to shake up the Sabres roster and see what all the fuss is about. And this is the part most people miss. The development path of these prospects isn’t just about their stats. It’s about their adaptability, their hockey IQ, and their potential to grow into leaders on the ice. NHL.com is providing an indepth look at the rosters, prospects, and fantasy analysis for each of the 32 teams from August 1 to September 1. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the Buffalo Sabres and their top five prospects according to NHL.com. One, Consta Helenius, forward. how he joined the team snagged with the 14th pick in the 2024 NHL draft 20242 season performance. Rochester AHL 65 games, 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points as the youngest player in the American Hockey League and 19-year-old Helenius made a name for himself by being named to the league’s 2024 25 top prospects team. This honor was a joint decision by the AHL’s hockey operations department and its general managers, underscoring his promising future. In his first season in North America, Helenius was switched from center to wing and showed remarkable improvement as the season progressed. He was one of Rochester’s standout players in the Calder Cup playoffs, finishing with six points, three goals, three assists in eight games. His performance impressed the Sabres brass with his hockey IQ and physical play. He was incredible. Rochester coach Michael Leon gushed about Helenius’s postseason performance. I thought he rose to the occasion. The bigger the moment, the better he played. I thought he played with a level of physicality that was truly impressive. When can we expect to see him in the NHL? Projected arrival 2026 to 2027. Radim Mertka, defenseman. How he joined the team. Selected with the ninth pick in the 2025 NHL draft. 202425 season performance. Seattle WHL. 43 games, three goals, 32 assists, 35 points. The 18-year-old Mertka made a seamless transition from Czecha to the Western Hockey League in November. Quickly adapting to the on ice product and language. With his towering size and huge wingspan, MKA was an enticing prospect that the Sabres couldn’t pass up. I think it’s a package that’s pretty rare. A 6’6 rightot defenseman that plays a good two-way game. Good with the puck. Buffalo general manager Kevin Adams remarked, “Good feet, mobile, plays hard. Really, really good kid.” To Adam’s point for a physical defenseman who weighs 218 lbs. There is also offensive upside. He averaged 81 points per game, third among WHL rookie defenseman. When can we expect to see him in the NHL? Projected arrival 202728 three Noah Osland forward how he joined the team chosen with the 16th pick in the 2022 NHL draft 20242 season performance Rochester AHL 45 games 19 goals 17 assists 36 points Buffalo NHL eight games zero goals zero assists zero points the 21-year-old Osland looked comfortable in his brief stent on the fourth line with the Sabres despite not scoring. The center 5’11 175 is a bit undersized but makes up for it with his impressive playmaking and skating. The one area where Osland can improve is adding muscle. Another season in the AHL likely will be the ideal development path before he lands a full-time role in the NHL. He’s a special player. Leon said he makes the players better around him in all situations. When can we expect to see him in the NHL? Projected arrival 2026 27 four. Isac Rosen forward. How he joined the team. Picked with the 14th pick in the 2021 NHL draft. 20242 season performance. Rochester AHL. 61 games, 28 goals, 27 assists, 55 points. Buffalo NHL eight games, zero goals, one assist. One point. Rosen was recalled by the Sabres five times beginning in mid- November last season. An indication that management feels he’s on the cusp of a full-time job at the NHL level. He led Rochester in goals and points, reinforcing that he’s trending toward a regular role with Buffalo. The 22-year-old isn’t physically imposing, 6′ 180, but has impressive raw skills and a knack for finding the back of the net. That talent earned him an invite to the 2025 AHL All-Star challenge in February. He’s not going to overpower you with physicality, but he can get there quick and use his stick,” Leon noted. When can we expect to see him in the NHL? Projected arrival this season 5. Anton Wahberg, forward, how he joined the team. selected with the 39th pick in the 2023 NHL draft. 2024 25 season performance. Rochester AHL 63 games, 11 goals, 19 assists, 30 points, the 20-year-old Swede impressed with his muscle and hustle during his rookie season in the AHL. At 65, 198 pounds, he brings a much more physical game than Helenius Osland and Rosen. His offensive skill was on full display at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship where he finished tied for third in scoring for Sweden with eight points, four goals, four assists, and finished the tournament at plus 7, indicating his efficiency as a two-way player. What the Sabres organization wants to see is more production in the dirty areas around the crease. It was one of his shortcomings with Rochester during the playoffs when he had no points in six games and was minus four. If you look at him and his gain and his development where he could be better, it’s scoring 5 to7 goals in front of the net, Leon said after the postseason. When can we expect to see him in the NHL? Projected arrival 2026 to 27. So, what do you think? Are these prospects the key to the Sabres future success or should the team focus more on veteran players? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a lively debate. Buffalo Sabres Farm ranked 18th in NHL. The Buffalo Sabres Farm System has come under heavy scrutiny in the latest NHL prospect pool rankings for 2025 and the reasons behind their ongoing 14-year playoff drought are numerous. One of the most significant issues has been their struggles with player development, which has consistently led to prospects failing to meet the expectations set before the draft. In a recent article by Hannah Stewart from Bleacher Report, the Sabres were ranked 18th out of 32 teams in terms of their prospect pool. Stuart pointed out the glaring lack of depth in the system and highlighted the organization’s failure to nurture young talent into essential components of the NHL roster. If it weren’t for Radim Mertka and Constahellaneous, the Buffalo Sabres would see a drastic drop in their rankings, a recurring theme in the latter part of these evaluations. Stuart noted the management of the roster has not been effective lately, and this includes the prospects. The environment for development is simply not conducive to success. Mertka, a right-hot defenseman, is one of the newest members of Buffalo’s prospect pool, having been selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft. He had an impressive season with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, where he accumulated 35 points in 43 games. Stuart remarked, “Mertkco was an exceptionally wise choice, but he requires a solid foundation for development. I am not confident that the Sabres can provide that for him. I hope to be proven wrong. The Sabres have had some success in the first round of the draft with players like Rasmus Dalene, Owen Power, Jack Quinn, and Zack Benson quickly becoming integral parts of the team. However, this success is often facilitated by consistently drafting within the top 10 and frequently even the top five each year. On the other hand, general manager Kevin Adams and his scouting team have faced significant challenges when it comes to selections made outside the first round, excluding the recent 2025 draft class. They have chosen 29 players outside the top 50 since 2020 with only one, Tyson Kak, making it to the NHL. While it is understood that the path to NHL success is not always straightforward and that late round picks have a lower success rate, the current outcomes are still disappointing. Moreover, the Sabres have seen several players reach the NHL only to experience stagnation in their development. This includes Quinn, Payton Krebs, and Dylan Kosins, who has since been traded to the Ottawa Senators. Even Power has not made the anticipated leap into stardom in recent years. Thus, Stuart’s critique of the franchise’s development environment is quite valid. An organization does not miss the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons by mere chance, especially in a league where nearly half of the teams qualify for the postseason each year. Following a relatively uneventful off season, the Sabres are once again relying on internal development to break their playoff drought. Players like Benson need to elevate their performance to a topline caliber. Quinn must rebound from his previous season, and Jerry Kulich is under pressure to boost his scoring in his second full NHL season. This strategy has not yielded positive results in the past, leaving Buffalo sports fans with ample reason to be doubtful. As long as Adams remains reluctant to make significant trades to acquire elite talent, the hope for internal growth is the only narrative the franchise can present. If the Sabres fail to make progress in the 202526 season, it may be time to consider sweeping changes within the organization.
00:00 – NHL Prospect Watch: Buffalo Sabres – 2025 Draft Highlights
07:29 – Top 5 Buffalo Sabres Prospects to Watch for 2025-26 NHL Season
14:59 – Buffalo Sabres Farm System Ranked 18th in NHL
1. NHL Prospect Watch: Buffalo Sabres – 2025 Draft Highlights
Join us as we explore the Buffalo Sabres’ top prospects ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. In this video, we dive into the careers of Tyson Kozak, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Norwin Panocha, Radim Mrtka, and Scott Ratzlaff. Discover their journeys from the WHL to the NHL, their impressive stats, and what makes them stand out as future stars. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and insights on these rising hockey talents!
2. Top 5 Buffalo Sabres Prospects to Watch for 2025-26 NHL Season
Discover the Buffalo Sabres’ top prospects for 2025-26: Konsta Helenius, Radim Mrtka, Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen, and Anton Wahlberg.
Learn what makes Helenius a standout rookie in the AHL, why Mrtka’s two-way play excites scouts, and which young forwards could crack the NHL roster soon.
We break down player stats, strengths, and projected NHL arrivals, giving you the inside scoop on the Sabres’ future stars.
Sabres fans, hockey analysts, and draft enthusiasts—don’t miss this deep dive!
Keywords: Buffalo Sabres prospects, NHL draft, AHL players, Helenius, Mrtka, Ostlund, Rosen, Wahlberg, 2025 prospects, hockey analysis.
3. Buffalo Sabres Farm System Ranked 18th in NHL
The Buffalo Sabres have been struggling to develop their young players, and it shows in their farm system ranking.
According to Bleacher Report’s Hannah Stuart, the Sabres have the 18th best prospect pool in the league.
This is largely due to the team’s inability to develop players outside of the first round of the draft.
Radim Mrtka and Konsta Helenius are the only bright spots in the system, but even they may not be enough to turn things around.
The Sabres have a long history of struggling to develop their young players, and it’s a major reason why they’ve missed the playoffs for 14 straight years.
Can the team turn things around and start developing their prospects into key NHL pieces?
