Prospect Avenue

Prospect Avenue Ep. 13: Sabres to be well-repped on World Junior stage

December 13, 2023 Kris Baker
Prospect Avenue Ep. 13: Sabres to be well-repped on World Junior stage
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Prospect Avenue
Prospect Avenue Ep. 13: Sabres to be well-repped on World Junior stage
Dec 13, 2023
Kris Baker

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.

Show Notes

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.