Sabres get positive news on Russian draft pick Prokhor Poltapov

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Sabres get positive news on Russian draft pick Prokhor Poltapov originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When the Buffalo Sabres drafted Prokhor Poltapov with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, they knew it'd be a while.

The left winger wasn't ready to come stateside yet, and the Sabres were prepared to be patient.

Five years later, Poltapov still isn't coming to the NHL yet, but that doesn't mean he's out of the picture.

Sabres prospects writer Kris Baker posted this on X on Wednesday night:

"Prokhor Poltapov remains committed to CSKA with a year left on his current deal. Not yet looking at the NHL. Per recent comments, BUF staff remains in contact/shows interest. He is happy for the team’s success this season. The lack of Russians in BUF doesn’t bother him."

MORE: Sabres' story of this season is about all the chapters along the way

That's positive news for the Sabres, who could be a year away from finally bringing Poltapov to the NHL after he plays out his contract in the Kontinental Hockey League with CSKA Moscow.

Poltapov is coming off his two best seasons in the KHL so far.

In 2024-25, he had 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points in 68 games.

Then in 2025-26, he went for 16 goals and 24 points, another 40 points in another 68 games.

Poltapov is still just 23 years old, and so even if it takes a little while, there's still reason to believe he could develop more once he conceptually arrives in Buffalo.

The Sabres may not have imagined this being such a long process, but good things can be worth waiting for. Maybe that'll prove true with Poltapov.

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