Prospect Avenue

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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. 

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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.

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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=2vLTvzq4QYU&t=12s

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

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

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

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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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All video versions of Prospect Avenue can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/sabresprospects

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Episode 12: Kris Baker sits down on a Sunday afternoon with updates on several Buffalo Sabres prospects including:

Vsevolod Komarov has been a hot commodity leading up to the QMJHL trade deadline...but the sweepstakes appear to have concluded.

Matthew Savoie can only worry about the things which he controls, but there are levers to pull that should motivate him through the WHL season.

While Noah Ostlund's latest injury is a concern with the World Junior Championship around the corner, perhaps it presents an opportunity for Anton Wahlberg.

The game conditions were not exactly great for Topias Leinonen's first Liiga start of the season.

Golden helmet watch for Viljami Marjala?

Prokhor Poltapov's statistical slump continues...

Plus some housekeeping notes on Scott Ratzlaff, Jiri Kulich, Albert Lyckasen, Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson, Stiven Sardarian and Ethan Miedema...

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After an unplanned one-week hiatus, Kris Baker shakes off the rust to discuss some Buffalo Sabres prospects topics including:

Matthew Savoie makes a statement - as should be expected - in his return to the WHL, but will Zach Benson be joining him?
Noah Ostlund and Anton Wahlberg impress as linemates at World Junior tune-up in Czecha...
Members only section of the Youtube channel coming?!
Prokhor Poltapov moves up the CSKA ranks despite a statistical slump...
Isak Rosen earns a well-earned shoutout...
Goalie talk: Scott Ratzlaff finding his groove with Seattle? Topias Leinonen in line for a Liiga start?
Plus some quick hits on Viljami Marjala and Stiven Sardarian...

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A well-rested Kris Baker is ready to talk about Jiri Kulich. 

He’s on a serious scoring tear that could be difficult for the Sabres to ignore. Now that the Brandon Biro and Lukas Rousek recalls have been made, Jiri has stepped into the on-deck circle to bring his Cookin’ with Kulich show to Buffalo for the first time, perhaps sooner rather than later.

Also bandied about this week:

•With Matthew Savoie’s conditioning loan complete, it was his mature game that really stood out
•Olivier Nadeau gets his first professional goal with the help of the most unlikely of centermen
•On the eve of the Five Nations Tournament in Czechia, Noah Ostlund is a lock for the World Junior Championship. And while Anton Wahlberg has done enough to get in on his own merit, there are other situations that are certainly helping his cause.
•Topias Leinonen returned to the net, and the clock is ticking on his very short window if he wants to cement his spot on Finland’s World Junior roster
•Seemed peculiar at the time, but Prokhor Poltapov was simply given a rest on Sunday
•Matteo Costantini vaults into the upper class of Sabres prospects point-getters 
•Ethan Miedema gets off the schneid

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