The Sabres announced Monday they’ve recalled defenseman Vsevolod Komarov from AHL Rochester. While he was a part of Buffalo’s massive round of training camp cuts over the weekend, they’re likely looking to get him into one more preseason game to allow rest for their veterans before sending him back to the minors.
Komarov, 21, was a fifth-round pick in 2022 but has outpaced his draft billing so far in his development. The 6’2″ righty had a highly successful major junior career, leading the QMJHL in scoring among defenders in 2023-24 while taking home a second league title, being named the league’s top defenseman during the regular season, and earning playoff MVP honors.
Last year’s adjustment to professional hockey was smooth. He didn’t pop in a huge way offensively, but delivered a well-rounded two-way game with the physical edge Buffalo hoped for when they drafted him. He played in all but three games for Rochester last year, logging a 2-16–18 scoring line with 85 PIMs and a +7 rating in 69 appearances. He was knocking on the door of top-pair minutes by season’s end, notes Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff, who tabbed him as the No. 10 prospect (and No. 4 defenseman) in Buffalo’s prospect pipeline this summer.
He was never expected to compete for an opening-night job this fall. Taking a chunk out of his time with Rochester in training camp to give him another preseason look, though, could be an indicator he’s high on their list of recall options this season in case a shakeup or injury replacement is needed.
Komarov’s entry-level contract carries him through 2026-27 at a cap hit of $835K, after which he’ll be a restricted free agent. This season, he’s owed a minor-league salary of $82.5K with a $90K signing bonus and up to $35K in performance bonuses and a prorated $775K salary if he spends time in the NHL. Unless he somehow manages to play 160 NHL games in the next two years, he’ll remain waiver-exempt for the life of his ELC before requiring them beginning with the 2027-28 campaign.