Sabres to watch
Despite the return of key veterans such as Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius, it was the younger talents that impressed Leone most on Friday.
Leone’s fourth line was comprised of the three youngest forwards listed on the Sabres’ Prospect Challenge roster – Ryan Rucinski, Melvin Novotny and Matous Kucharcik who are all bound for the USHL in 2025-26.
“Our young line that we played, the USHL line, I thought they were our best line to be honest with you,” Leone said. “Kucharcik and Melvin, I thought they were great… if you were to just watch the game, you would think that all three of those guys are in pro hockey.”
Kucharcik found the scoresheet after making a strong individual play. The 2025 fourth-round selection retrieved the puck below the circle and cycled to the point before rifling a seeing-eye shot past the Devils netminder and equaling the score at 2-2 in the second period. It was Kucharcik’s poise with the puck and good decision-making under pressure that impressed Leone.
Leone got strong blueline production from 2025 draft picks Mrtka and Noah Laberge but said he felt the aforementioned returning players “have a lot more to give.” Leone’s group is looking to bounce back from the 4-2 defeat by playing with a shot first mentality and being more assertive on the power play after going 0-for-4.
“I thought there were times when we were looking for the next play instead of just getting it to the net and scoring a goal in front of the net,” Leone said.