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Prokhor Poltapov has continued his ascension with CSKA Moscow. It breeds the question: when will he come to North America?

Plus updates on Viljami Marjala, Topias Leinonen's start with Mora, Tyson Kozak's growing role in Rochester and other notes on the young Amerks, plus a spin around the NCAA with notes on Jake Richard, Brodie Ziemer, Stiven Sardarian, Gavin McCarthy, Max Strbak and Patrick Geary, and Matteo Costantini.

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Thanks for supporting Prospect Avenue. Don't forget to submit a 5-star rating on Apple and Spotify. 

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Kris Baker recaps the week that was in the world of the the Sabres prospects, headlined by Scott Ratzlaff's big night in net withthe Seattle Thunderbirds.

Noah Ostlund maintained the hot hand by recording the first three-point game of his SHL career, while Anton Wahlberg continues to be a minute-eating mule for Malmo. 

Down on the farm, Vikor Neuchev and Nikita Novikov are really coming out of their shells while the Amerks patiently wait for Jiri Kulich to resume his goal-scoring ways.

In the QMJHL, Vsevolod Komarov is piling up the points, but it's his defensive presence that really compels as a pro prospect.

Matthew Savoie extended his WHL point streak, while Mats Lindgren picked up where he left off in his return to the Red Deer lineup.

To tie up loose ends from last week, Kris provides a quick update on Matteo Costantini's recent point streak and Viljami Marjala's chase of a TPS rookie record.

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The video version of this podcast can be viewed on the Sabres Prospects YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPhXN9JQVOU

You can download all episodes of Prospect Avenue wherever you get your podcasts including: 

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***

Quick hits edition on a lovely Sunday AM as a busy Friday and Saturday in mid-January has led to a gaggle of Sabres prospects finding themselves on lengthy point streaks.

Get the latest news and notes on:
Viktor Neuchev
Lukas Rousek
Isak Rosen
Tyson Kozak
Matteo Costantini
Matthew Savoie
Vsevolod Komarov
Noah Ostlund
Mats Lindgren
Aaron Huglen
Viljami Marjala

All in less than 9:00!

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You can download all episodes of Prospect Avenue wherever you get your podcasts.

The video version of this podcast can be viewed on the Sabres Prospects YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aViTz4BIIKk

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3utInqt...

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/5d47...

TuneIn: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--R...

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Thanks for supporting Prospect Avenue. Don't forget to submit a 5-star rating on Apple and Spotify. 

***

Kris Baker kicks off the week with Western Michigan centerman Matteo Costantini, who has been on a bit of a journey the last few seasons, and is now riding a bit of a heater that's vaulted him up the Sabres prospect points per game leaderboard.

As far as a post-World Junior update, Kris offers a quick discussion on noteworthy positional changes for Jiri Kulich and Matt Savoie, before making a pit stop in Sweden to chat about Noah Ostlund and Anton Wahlberg, a long with notes on William Von Barnekow. Linus Sjodin, and Albert Lyckasen.

Some noteworthy callouts to Nikita Novikov, Viktor Neuchev (for the second episode in a row), and Tyson Kozak for their recent output on the farm in Rochester.

We bid adieu to Filip Cederqvist, and close with the location changes for Joel Ratkovic-Berndtsson and Sean Keohane

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The video version of this podcast can be viewed on the Sabres Prospects YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El17hkNyFSM&t=685s

You can download all episodes of Prospect Avenue wherever you get your podcasts including: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3utInqt...

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/5d47...

TuneIn: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Sports--R...

Support the show

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Thanks for supporting Prospect Avenue. Don't forget to submit a 5-star rating on Apple and Spotify. 

***

Kris Baker recaps the Sabres prospects that were in action at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, and provides a few other updates for others that did not play at the tournament.

Noah Ostlund showcased himself as a complete-game catalyst on Sweden’s top forward line.

Anton Wahlberg provided a big net-front presence all tournament long on the Ostlund line, and like his fellow Sabres prospect, appears to be set up nicely for a North American transition.

Czech star Jiri Kulich ended his World Junior career by earning high marks, especially in the leadership development category.

Kris expected more and Canada certainly needed more production from Matthew Savoie, so now it’s time to look ahead to finishing his WHL career with his new teammates in Moose Jaw.

Slovakian two-way workhorse Maxim Strbak played as advertised.

Norwin Panocha handled the pressure on the German blueline, and should feel good about what he accomplished.

Goalie talk! Topias Leinonen found himself back in the JYP net, while Seattle’s Scott Ratzlaff flew home from the World Juniors and got right back to work with a busy weekend.

Meanwhile in Finland, TPS centerman Viljami Marjala continues to elevate his game.

With a contract decision on the horizon, Kris takes a few minutes to share some thoughts on Red Deer Rebels defenseman Mats Lindgren.

Last but not least, Kris offers a well-earned shout out to Rochester Americans rookie winger Viktor Neuchev.

***
The video version of this podcast can be viewed on the Sabres Prospects YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vLTvzq4QYU&t=12s

You can download all episodes of Prospect Avenue wherever you get your podcasts including: 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3utInqt...

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/5d47...

TuneIn: https:/

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In his "best and final" 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship preview, Kris Baker recaps the week's pre-tournament action and let's us know what to expect from the seven Buffalo Sabres prospects that will be in action:

How many goals can Jiri Kulich score for Czechia?
No rest for Maxim Strbak.
Matthew Savoie seems poised to make noise for Canada.
Will Noah Ostlund and Anton Wahlberg become Swedish linemates?
Norwin Panocha's role for the Germans. 

Plus some quick hits on Prokhor Poltapov, Jakub Konecny, and Topias Leinonen.

Thanks for supporting Prospect Avenue. Don't forget to submit a 5-star rating on Apple and Spotify!

You can view the video version of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMniUps4h8M

Happy Holidays from Sabres Prospects!

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Editors note: a previous version of this podcast misrepresented the resume of Team Canada goaltender Mathis Rousseau (Halifax - QMJHL). This podcast has been edited. 

Kris Baker sets the table with thoughts on what to expect from the Buffalo Sabres prospects set to take part in 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Forward Matthew Savoie was a lock to play a prominent role for Canada. Will Canada lean into chemistry with a familiar linemate?

With the net wide open, goaltender Scott Ratzlaff earned his spot and could have an opportunity to get some playing time at a position that could make or break the proud country's success at the event.

The Czechs are getting the band back together with Jiri Kulich a surprising loan to play at the event. What are the Sabres looking to accomplish by setting him free?

Pending a clean bill of health, Noah Ostlund's role and potential linemates seems clear for Sweden. Kris tells you why he has been impressed with his total game this season. 

Joining Ostlund for the Swedes is Anton Wahlberg, who could play a sneaky big role as one of the team's younger players. Kris proposes his linemates as well.

It's clear the Slovaks will rely heavily on defenseman Maxim Strbak. Kris tells you what he's seen from the Michigan State freshman leading up to the event.

Defenseman Norwin Panocha is in camp with Germany, and he should have a strong chance at locking up a roster spot with five cuts to be made.

Goaltender Topias Leinonen did not make the cut for Finland. It's disappointing for Leinonen. Disappointing for the Sabres. Disappointing for fans. But it's not a shock, and it's certainly not time to give up on the 2022 second-rounder.

Oh, and the drought has ended. Prokhor Poltapov is back, baby.

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