Kisakov aims to ease transition to Rochester for Neuchev, Novikov

Aleksandr Kisakov asked to pose for a photo with Viktor Neuchev inside LECOM Harborcenter on Wednesday, shortly after completing a 3-on-3 drill in which they were linemates.

The two Sabres prospects had never met each other prior to this week, but the foundation has been laid for a relationship that will continue to grow in Rochester next season. Kisakov will be joined by Neuchev and their Russian countryman Nikita Novikov, both of whom signed entry-level contracts in the spring.

"I can help with English," Kisakov said, flashing a grin. "Nikita speaks a little bit. Viktor has zero, zero English. I can help him."

That Kisakov is able to be a mentor when it comes to his second language is evidence of the growth he experienced last season, when he was the lone Russian player on Rochester's roster.

Kisakov was one of four Russian players drafted by the Sabres in 2021, along with fellow forward and second-round pick Prokhor Poltapov, third-round forward Stiven Sardarian, and sixth-round defenseman Novikov. The Sabres added Neuchev in the third round last summer.

Kisakov became the first of the bunch to sign his entry-level contract last summer. He missed development camp as he completed the final steps of his immigration process, instead making his debut in a Sabres uniform at the Prospects Challenge in September. He spoke to the media at that tournament with the help of Czech scout Frank Musil, who served as a translator.

Ten months later, his command of the language has developed to the point where he can interview on his own - and allow his affable personality to shine through in the process. In fact, it's Kisakov who has served as a translator of sorts at development camp.

When Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert wanted to explain a concept to Neuchev during the first on-ice session on Sunday, he called Kisakov over for assistance.

"It is always interesting seeing a guy like Kisakov who's been with us for a year and went through the ups and downs of a hard rookie season in the American League, and then they come back and they're walking with a little more confidence and they have a little more strut in their step," Appert said.

"… He looks like one of the best players on the ice. That's a great thing, it's a great sign. And it also, for him, I'm sure it's kind of confirming how much better he got this year and how he feels out there right now versus some of the younger prospects."

Kisakov's hard work should make for an easier transition for Neuchev and Novikov, all of whom stood out during development camp's finale, the 3-on-3 French Connection Tournament on Thursday. Kisakov scored a pair of goals to send his team to the tournament final, which was won by a team headlined by Neuchev, Novikov, and first-round pick Zach Benson.

"They're such smart hockey players," Benson said of Neuchev and Novikov. "It's pretty cool to play with and watch. They make some plays where you're like, 'Wow, that's pretty impressive.'"

Neuchev and Novikov both played amongst men as teenagers in the KHL last season. Neuchev, a skilled winger, put his talent on display Thursday when he put the puck through the legs of a defender in the slot, protected it as he circled the offensive zone, and buried a wrist shot in the tournament finale.

Novikov, a physical, 6-foot-4 defenseman, used the tournament to show his willingness to attack offensively. He scored two goals, not including a between-the-legs attempt that missed wide.

"It was nice to see that and nice to see it in person finally," Sabres coach Don Granato said of Neuchev and Novikov. "They did not disappoint. It left you more excited now that you finally got to see it personally."

As for Kisakov - he's listed at 160 pounds, up 10 from when he first slipped into a Sabres uniform at the Prospects Challenge last September. He played just 48 games for Rochester last season, part of a conscious decision by the organization to instead prioritize time in the weight room.

The belief is that the added strength will help his natural skill blossom at the pro level, while his prescence will help Neuchev and Novikov.

"We've got a ton of belief in Kisa," Appert said. "We fully expect him to have a really, really big year for us in Rochester."

Here are more takeaways from the final day of camp.

1.The prospects were split into three teams for the French Connection Tournament, each named after a member of the iconic forward line from the 1970s. Team Robert - consisting of forwards Benson, Neuchev, Viljami Marjala, and Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson; defensemen Novikov, Nicolas Savoie, Norwin Panocha, and Nash Nienhuis; and goaltenders Josh Fleming and Nathan Aiery - came out on top.

Watch full tournament highlights below.

2.Benson put his reputation as a hardworking, two-way forward on display during a sequence in Team Robert's semifinal matchup.

He carried the puck over the offensive blue line, deked left to right across the net, and put a backhand shot on goal. When Olivier Nadeau - another promising forward in the Sabres pipeline - corralled the rebound in front, Benson chased him down from behind, stripped the puck free, and evaded multiple defenders long enough to set up the game-tying goal.

"Very talented hockey player," Granato said.

3.Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams took the microphone and thanked the packed crowd inside LECOM Harborcenter following the conclusion of the tournament.

"It's pretty cool for them to come out on the ice for the first day of practice and see a couple thousand people here, and just you guys showing them what being a Buffalo Sabre is all about is pretty special," Adams said.

The prospects then posed for a photo at center ice along with team personnel - including Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who watched the tournament alongside Adams, Granato, and owner Terry Pegula.

"This is vacation time for Coach McDermott, so for him to come out and support the boys was pretty cool," Adams said.