F Prokhor Poltapov - CSKA Moscow, KHL (2021, 33rd, BUF)

[Gabrielor]

One assist in five playoff games for CSKA to finish the season. Has one year remaining on his KHL contract.

Is he expected to assume a larger role for CSKA in 2024-25 and is he still on the Sabres radar?

Tough to say. We've drafted numerous forwards in the Adams era, and Poltapov hasn't been state-side for the draft (covid) or any dev camp.

He does play a different, heavier game than the majority of our forward prospects, and every other Russian we've picked has come over, so I'd figure he's still on our radar, there's just his contract with Russia keeping him from a likely spot in Rochester.

 

[Caser]

 

[Caser]

1G+3A for him today.

 

[Chainshot]

1G+3A for him today.

Second shorty of the season, five assists so far. Nice start.

 

[BKarchitect]

That kind of special teams versatility definitely increases his chances at an NHL future.

Poltapov is a really good prospect. I think if he were the 32nd overall pick and had a “1st round label” instead l being the 33rd overall pick, a lot more people would know him.

Likewise, he’s been buried in an insanely deep Sabres system so even Sabres fan have little reason to hype him as a prospect. And the cherry on top is he’s in Russia which is something of a black hole for prospect being “top of mind” given the international band and sheer distance.

It all equates to a guy who was basically a first rounder that if he were included in some trade, the other teams fans would be going “Who-tapov????”.

 

[Faceboner]

That kind of special teams versatility definitely increases his chances at an NHL future.

Poltapov is a really good prospect. I think if he were the 32nd overall pick and had a “1st round label” instead l being the 33rd overall pick, a lot more people would know him.

Likewise, he’s been buried in an insanely deep Sabres system so even Sabres fan have little reason to hype him as a prospect. And the cherry on top is he’s in Russia which is something of a black hole for prospect being “top of mind” given the international band and sheer distance.

It all equates to a guy who was basically a first rounder that if he were included in some trade, the other teams fans would be going “Who-tapov????”.

Who knows maybe he turns out to be a real gem and one of those guys who people will end up saying is the best from their draft class and top ten player franchise cornerstone

 

[tsujimoto74]

Heck of a start to the year for this kid. Will be a huge breakout season if he can keep it up.

 

[Chainshot]

The hot start continues:

https://x.com/i/web/status/1834977707513283054

 

[Chainshot]

Another goal today, had a big hit called a crosscheck, another big day PKing too.

 

[Chainshot]

Goal #5 today -

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838557995690582282

 

[tsujimoto74]

Did not have this kid breaking out like this on my bingo card for this season, but I’m here for it.

 

[CowbellConray]

If he can show a .8 PPG pace this year with his PK ability and physical play? That would be a solid bottom 6 addition to the Sabres in a year or two.

 

[person5000]

If he can show a .8 PPG pace this year with his PK ability and physical play? That would be a solid bottom 6 addition to the Sabres in a year or two.

If Yes is what you wanna hear….YES!

 

[Caser]

 

[Caser]

 

[Caser]

Extended with CSKA until the end of 2026/27.

 

[truthbluth]

Extended with CSKA until the end of 2026/27.

Of course

 

[Chainshot]

Of course

No transfer agreement so his rights remain theirs. His statement last spring was wanting to be the absolute best version of himself before trying the NHL so this gives him more time to get to that. Also spreads out the possible prospect pool more which isn’t a bad thing.