The Prokhor Poltapov Appreciation Thread

[DarthEbriate]

As badly as he might want the NHL salary to start, I think he'd understand from a hockey standpoint that he'd need some acclimation time in the AHL. At least part of a season to work on language, new living situation, and a new rink size. Thankfully, he'd have folks who've made the transition from Russia already in Rochester: Novikov, Komarov, Neuchev, and maybe Kisakov (RFA). They're expected to be a core group within the roster.

[matter2003]

[Captain Caveman]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

He has to prove he belongs in NHL.  

I would say that close to a point per game pace (assuming he maintains that) in the KHL as a 21 year old would say as much about him belonging in the NHL as any season he could have in Rochester.

Edited October 23, 2024 by Captain Caveman

[Pimlach]

8 minutes ago, Captain Caveman said:

I would say that close to a point per game pace (assuming he maintains that) in the KHL as a 21 year old would say as much about him belonging in the NHL as any season he could have in Rochester.

You can say it.  Lets see if he can do it.   

I see him starting the year in Rochester.  After that, its up to him.  

Edited October 23, 2024 by Pimlach

[Crusader1969]

4 hours ago, Pimlach said:

I hope not.  That means veterans like Zucker and Greenway are gone and more reliance on developing kids in the NHL.  A bad habit for this team that needs to end.  

He has to prove he belongs in NHL.  

Maybe he will be better than one, if not both of those players by next 

let's not forget he has been playing for one of the top clubs in arguably the 2nd best league in the world. So not like he is coming in as a 22 year old from the ECHL or something 

[Crusader1969]

2 hours ago, Pimlach said:

You can say it.  Lets see if he can do it.   

I see him starting the year in Rochester.  After that, it's up to him.  

Sure but I'm not sure it works like that.
 yes, in a perfect world a couple of months in AHL would be good BUT you need to entice him to come to Buffalo at a lower salary than what he would get in KHL.  Could he request a one way contract where he can't go to AHL?    

maybe he starts off as the 13th forward? So doesn't necessarily mean you walk away from both Greenway or Zuckerberg? Then again,  Let's not forget both are UFA's.   

[SABRES 0311]

I’m late to this one. What’s the purpose of a thread for this guy?

[Crusader1969]

2 hours ago, SABRES 0311 said:

I’m late to this one. What’s the purpose of a thread for this guy?

Cause he's the forgotten prospect. 
almost all lists that ranked Sabres prospects had him ranked 15th or lower, which is criminal.  
He has been my favourite prospect since JJP and I thought he needs some recognition.   
i should give credit to Kris Baker who has also been very high on him over the last couple of years 

[French Collection]

He hasn’t been considered a high end prospect but those numbers (16 points in 19 games) are good for the KHL.

Kaprizov put up 51 points in 57 games playing for the same team, CSKA, as a 21 year old.

Not saying that he’s comparable to Kirill the thrill but those numbers are pretty good.

[Crusader1969]

 

[Stoner]

I appreciate you!

[Thorner]

Say what you want about 14 years. I’ve been assured this dude will make the wait worth it 

[Mr. Allen]

I know he signed an extension, but can it be bought out?   Terminated?  What’s the earliest he can come try out North America?  

[Captain Caveman]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-surging-prospect-signs-extension-in-khl

 

Quote

With this news, Poltapov will now not be able to play for the Sabres organization until at least the 2027-28 campaign. 

 

[_Q_]

I like to follow Poltapov as I see him as an underrated prospect.  Here is Grok's opinion of how his D+4 KHL performance projects to the NHL.

 

If Prokhor Poltapov is currently at 0.534 points per game (PPG) in the 2024-25 KHL season as of February 27, 2025, that’s a significant jump from his prior performance. Let’s re-evaluate his NHL projection using this new data, following the same framework.

1. Assess KHL Performance with NHL Equivalency (NHLe)

With Poltapov at 0.534 PPG, let’s calculate his NHLe:

NHLe Calculation: Using a KHL NHLe factor of 0.74:

0.534 PPG × 0.74 = 0.395 PPG in NHL terms.

Over an 82-game NHL season: 0.395 × 82 ≈ 32.4 points (let’s round to 32-33 points).

Interpretation: This projects him as a solid middle-six forward, capable of contributing 10-15 goals and 15-20 assists in a full NHL season—a notable step up from a bottom-six projection.

2. Consider Age and Development Stage

At 22 years old (born February 1, 2003), Poltapov is in his Draft+4 season. A 0.534 PPG at this age in the KHL is promising—while not at the elite level of Kaprizov (0.73 PPG at 22) or Panarin (0.94 PPG at 23), it’s a strong mark for a player still developing. This uptick suggests he’s adapting to pro hockey and could have more growth ahead.

Projection Implication: He’s trending toward a middle-six role with a chance to climb higher if he sustains or improves this production.

3. Evaluate Role and Ice Time

Assuming his 0.534 PPG comes with increased ice time—say, 12-14 minutes per game with CSKA, possibly some power-play or second-line usage—this indicates he’s earning more trust. (Without exact TOI data, I’m inferring based on the PPG jump from 0.232 last season.) If he’s still at 8-10 minutes, his efficiency is even more impressive, but middle-six minutes align better with this output.

Analysis: A bigger role boosts his translatability to the NHL, where he’d need 14-16 minutes to hit that 32-point mark. His ceiling rises if he’s already handling secondary scoring duties.

4. Adjust for Physical and Skill Attributes

Poltapov’s 6’0”, 176-lb frame remains average, but his skill set—good hands, puck protection, and energy—fits a middle-six winger role. His skating (decent, not elite) should hold up on NHL ice, and this PPG surge suggests he’s making quicker decisions, a past weakness.

Fit: He profiles as a playmaking winger with some scoring touch, likely a second- or third-line contributor. Added physical maturity (if he’s bulked up to, say, 185-190 lbs) would help, but it’s not essential.

5. Compare to Historical Benchmarks

An NHLe of ~32 points at age 22 aligns with KHL prospects who became solid NHL contributors:

Similar Path: Nikolai Kovalenko (0.96 PPG at 24, NHLe ~40) projects as a middle-sixer; Poltapov’s younger age and 0.534 PPG put him on a comparable track, adjusted for development.

Contrast: He’s below stars like Tarasenko (NHLe ~40+ at 20), but ahead of busts like Tolvanen (high NHLe, poor adaptation).

Outlook: He’s in the “reliable role player” tier, with upside if his trajectory keeps climbing.

6. Factor in External Variables

Contract: Still signed with CSKA through 2024-25, he’s likely Sabres-bound in 2025-26. This gives him time to cement this production level.

Team Fit: Buffalo’s crowded top-six (Thompson, Cozens, Peterka) might slot Poltapov into a third-line role initially, with a chance to climb if he outperforms veterans.

Geopolitical Risks: No major red flags, though standard Russian-player uncertainties apply.

7. Qualitative Scouting

Poltapov’s 0.534 PPG suggests he’s harnessing his junior promise (e.g., 18 points in 19 MHL playoff games in 2022). His energy and skill are translating better, likely with improved consistency and hockey sense. If he’s driving play or creating chances regularly, that bodes well for NHL adaptation.

Final Projection

Current Trajectory: With 0.534 PPG, Poltapov projects as a middle-six NHL forward, likely a 30-35-point player (e.g., 12 goals, 20 assists) in a third-line role with some power-play potential. This assumes he maintains this pace through 2024-25.

Ceiling: If he pushes toward 0.6-0.7 PPG by season’s end (NHLe ~36-42), he could hit 40-50 points as a second-liner, especially with a scoring-line role in Buffalo.

Floor: If this is a hot streak and he regresses to 0.3-0.4 PPG, he’s back to a 20-25-point bottom-sixer.

Likelihood: Given his age and growth, I’d peg him as a third-line winger with 35-point upside in his first full NHL season (2025-26), with a shot at 45-50 points by his mid-20s if he refines his game.

Conclusion

At 0.534 PPG, Poltapov’s taken a big step forward, projecting as a legitimate NHL contributor rather than a fringe player. His next few months with CSKA will clarify if this is his new baseline or a peak—either way, he’s trending toward a meaningful role with the Sabres, likely as a versatile, energetic middle-sixer by 2026. Keep an eye on his TOI and how he finishes the KHL season!

[Crusader1969]

1G and 2A today for Poltapov 

[inkman]

On 2/4/2025 at 8:21 AM, Captain Caveman said:

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-surging-prospect-signs-extension-in-khl

 

 

 

4 hours ago, _Q_ said:

I like to follow Poltapov as I see him as an underrated prospect.  Here is Grok's opinion of how his D+4 KHL performance projects to the NHL.

 

If Prokhor Poltapov is currently at 0.534 points per game (PPG) in the 2024-25 KHL season as of February 27, 2025, that’s a significant jump from his prior performance. Let’s re-evaluate his NHL projection using this new data, following the same framework.

1. Assess KHL Performance with NHL Equivalency (NHLe)

With Poltapov at 0.534 PPG, let’s calculate his NHLe:

NHLe Calculation: Using a KHL NHLe factor of 0.74:

0.534 PPG × 0.74 = 0.395 PPG in NHL terms.

Over an 82-game NHL season: 0.395 × 82 ≈ 32.4 points (let’s round to 32-33 points).

Interpretation: This projects him as a solid middle-six forward, capable of contributing 10-15 goals and 15-20 assists in a full NHL season—a notable step up from a bottom-six projection.

2. Consider Age and Development Stage

At 22 years old (born February 1, 2003), Poltapov is in his Draft+4 season. A 0.534 PPG at this age in the KHL is promising—while not at the elite level of Kaprizov (0.73 PPG at 22) or Panarin (0.94 PPG at 23), it’s a strong mark for a player still developing. This uptick suggests he’s adapting to pro hockey and could have more growth ahead.

Projection Implication: He’s trending toward a middle-six role with a chance to climb higher if he sustains or improves this production.

3. Evaluate Role and Ice Time

Assuming his 0.534 PPG comes with increased ice time—say, 12-14 minutes per game with CSKA, possibly some power-play or second-line usage—this indicates he’s earning more trust. (Without exact TOI data, I’m inferring based on the PPG jump from 0.232 last season.) If he’s still at 8-10 minutes, his efficiency is even more impressive, but middle-six minutes align better with this output.

Analysis: A bigger role boosts his translatability to the NHL, where he’d need 14-16 minutes to hit that 32-point mark. His ceiling rises if he’s already handling secondary scoring duties.

4. Adjust for Physical and Skill Attributes

Poltapov’s 6’0”, 176-lb frame remains average, but his skill set—good hands, puck protection, and energy—fits a middle-six winger role. His skating (decent, not elite) should hold up on NHL ice, and this PPG surge suggests he’s making quicker decisions, a past weakness.

Fit: He profiles as a playmaking winger with some scoring touch, likely a second- or third-line contributor. Added physical maturity (if he’s bulked up to, say, 185-190 lbs) would help, but it’s not essential.

5. Compare to Historical Benchmarks

An NHLe of ~32 points at age 22 aligns with KHL prospects who became solid NHL contributors:

Similar Path: Nikolai Kovalenko (0.96 PPG at 24, NHLe ~40) projects as a middle-sixer; Poltapov’s younger age and 0.534 PPG put him on a comparable track, adjusted for development.

Contrast: He’s below stars like Tarasenko (NHLe ~40+ at 20), but ahead of busts like Tolvanen (high NHLe, poor adaptation).

Outlook: He’s in the “reliable role player” tier, with upside if his trajectory keeps climbing.

6. Factor in External Variables

Contract: Still signed with CSKA through 2024-25, he’s likely Sabres-bound in 2025-26. This gives him time to cement this production level.

Team Fit: Buffalo’s crowded top-six (Thompson, Cozens, Peterka) might slot Poltapov into a third-line role initially, with a chance to climb if he outperforms veterans.

Geopolitical Risks: No major red flags, though standard Russian-player uncertainties apply.

7. Qualitative Scouting

Poltapov’s 0.534 PPG suggests he’s harnessing his junior promise (e.g., 18 points in 19 MHL playoff games in 2022). His energy and skill are translating better, likely with improved consistency and hockey sense. If he’s driving play or creating chances regularly, that bodes well for NHL adaptation.

Final Projection

Current Trajectory: With 0.534 PPG, Poltapov projects as a middle-six NHL forward, likely a 30-35-point player (e.g., 12 goals, 20 assists) in a third-line role with some power-play potential. This assumes he maintains this pace through 2024-25.

Ceiling: If he pushes toward 0.6-0.7 PPG by season’s end (NHLe ~36-42), he could hit 40-50 points as a second-liner, especially with a scoring-line role in Buffalo.

Floor: If this is a hot streak and he regresses to 0.3-0.4 PPG, he’s back to a 20-25-point bottom-sixer.

Likelihood: Given his age and growth, I’d peg him as a third-line winger with 35-point upside in his first full NHL season (2025-26), with a shot at 45-50 points by his mid-20s if he refines his game.

Conclusion

At 0.534 PPG, Poltapov’s taken a big step forward, projecting as a legitimate NHL contributor rather than a fringe player. His next few months with CSKA will clarify if this is his new baseline or a peak—either way, he’s trending toward a meaningful role with the Sabres, likely as a versatile, energetic middle-sixer by 2026. Keep an eye on his TOI and how he finishes the KHL season!

Caveman says it’s 2027-28 when he can come to the US, you state it’s 2025-26.  🤷‍♂️

[_Q_]

3 minutes ago, inkman said:

 

Caveman says it’s 2027-28 when he can come to the US, you state it’s 2025-26.  🤷‍♂️

Caveman is correct on the contract.

I missed that.

[Pimlach]

On 2/1/2025 at 10:52 AM, Stoner said:

I appreciate you!

What about me?  
 

[DarthEbriate]

20 hours ago, _Q_ said:

5. Compare to Historical Benchmarks

An NHLe of ~32 points at age 22 aligns with KHL prospects who became solid NHL contributors:

Similar Path: Nikolai Kovalenko (0.96 PPG at 24, NHLe ~40) projects as a middle-sixer; Poltapov’s younger age and 0.534 PPG put him on a comparable track, adjusted for development.

Contrast: He’s below stars like Tarasenko (NHLe ~40+ at 20), but ahead of busts like Tolvanen (high NHLe, poor adaptation).

Outlook: He’s in the “reliable role player” tier, with upside if his trajectory keeps climbing.

He's going to arrive age 24 and ready to roll as a 3rd/4th liner, with 2nd line potential depending on linemates. Ideally an Ivan Barbashev. where we saw the potential through age 25 with St. Louis and then had a big 60-point season at age 26, and has been versatile and solid for his entire career.

[Mr. Allen]

By the time he gets over here, we might have a couple other Russian players on the roster.  Don’t we have a couple in the pipeline? 

[_Q_]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Allen said:

By the time he gets over here, we might have a couple other Russian players on the roster.  Don’t we have a couple in the pipeline? 

Komorov and Novikov

[LGR4GM]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Allen said:

By the time he gets over here, we might have a couple other Russian players on the roster.  Don’t we have a couple in the pipeline? 

Neuchev, Novikov, and Komarov. I would say we could expect 1 of them in Buffalo. I think all 3 would be questionable. 

[_Q_]

On 2/27/2025 at 11:43 AM, _Q_ said:

I like to follow Poltapov as I see him as an underrated prospect.  Here is Grok's opinion of how his D+4 KHL performance projects to the NHL.

 

If Prokhor Poltapov is currently at 0.534 points per game (PPG) in the 2024-25 KHL season as of February 27, 2025, that’s a significant jump from his prior performance. Let’s re-evaluate his NHL projection using this new data, following the same framework.

1. Assess KHL Performance with NHL Equivalency (NHLe)

With Poltapov at 0.534 PPG, let’s calculate his NHLe:

NHLe Calculation: Using a KHL NHLe factor of 0.74:

0.534 PPG × 0.74 = 0.395 PPG in NHL terms.

Over an 82-game NHL season: 0.395 × 82 ≈ 32.4 points (let’s round to 32-33 points).

Interpretation: This projects him as a solid middle-six forward, capable of contributing 10-15 goals and 15-20 assists in a full NHL season—a notable step up from a bottom-six projection.

2. Consider Age and Development Stage

At 22 years old (born February 1, 2003), Poltapov is in his Draft+4 season. A 0.534 PPG at this age in the KHL is promising—while not at the elite level of Kaprizov (0.73 PPG at 22) or Panarin (0.94 PPG at 23), it’s a strong mark for a player still developing. This uptick suggests he’s adapting to pro hockey and could have more growth ahead.

Projection Implication: He’s trending toward a middle-six role with a chance to climb higher if he sustains or improves this production.

3. Evaluate Role and Ice Time

Assuming his 0.534 PPG comes with increased ice time—say, 12-14 minutes per game with CSKA, possibly some power-play or second-line usage—this indicates he’s earning more trust. (Without exact TOI data, I’m inferring based on the PPG jump from 0.232 last season.) If he’s still at 8-10 minutes, his efficiency is even more impressive, but middle-six minutes align better with this output.

Analysis: A bigger role boosts his translatability to the NHL, where he’d need 14-16 minutes to hit that 32-point mark. His ceiling rises if he’s already handling secondary scoring duties.

4. Adjust for Physical and Skill Attributes

Poltapov’s 6’0”, 176-lb frame remains average, but his skill set—good hands, puck protection, and energy—fits a middle-six winger role. His skating (decent, not elite) should hold up on NHL ice, and this PPG surge suggests he’s making quicker decisions, a past weakness.

Fit: He profiles as a playmaking winger with some scoring touch, likely a second- or third-line contributor. Added physical maturity (if he’s bulked up to, say, 185-190 lbs) would help, but it’s not essential.

5. Compare to Historical Benchmarks

An NHLe of ~32 points at age 22 aligns with KHL prospects who became solid NHL contributors:

Similar Path: Nikolai Kovalenko (0.96 PPG at 24, NHLe ~40) projects as a middle-sixer; Poltapov’s younger age and 0.534 PPG put him on a comparable track, adjusted for development.

Contrast: He’s below stars like Tarasenko (NHLe ~40+ at 20), but ahead of busts like Tolvanen (high NHLe, poor adaptation).

Outlook: He’s in the “reliable role player” tier, with upside if his trajectory keeps climbing.

6. Factor in External Variables

Contract: Still signed with CSKA through 2024-25, he’s likely Sabres-bound in 2025-26. This gives him time to cement this production level.

Team Fit: Buffalo’s crowded top-six (Thompson, Cozens, Peterka) might slot Poltapov into a third-line role initially, with a chance to climb if he outperforms veterans.

Geopolitical Risks: No major red flags, though standard Russian-player uncertainties apply.

7. Qualitative Scouting

Poltapov’s 0.534 PPG suggests he’s harnessing his junior promise (e.g., 18 points in 19 MHL playoff games in 2022). His energy and skill are translating better, likely with improved consistency and hockey sense. If he’s driving play or creating chances regularly, that bodes well for NHL adaptation.

Final Projection

Current Trajectory: With 0.534 PPG, Poltapov projects as a middle-six NHL forward, likely a 30-35-point player (e.g., 12 goals, 20 assists) in a third-line role with some power-play potential. This assumes he maintains this pace through 2024-25.

Ceiling: If he pushes toward 0.6-0.7 PPG by season’s end (NHLe ~36-42), he could hit 40-50 points as a second-liner, especially with a scoring-line role in Buffalo.

Floor: If this is a hot streak and he regresses to 0.3-0.4 PPG, he’s back to a 20-25-point bottom-sixer.

Likelihood: Given his age and growth, I’d peg him as a third-line winger with 35-point upside in his first full NHL season (2025-26), with a shot at 45-50 points by his mid-20s if he refines his game.

Conclusion

At 0.534 PPG, Poltapov’s taken a big step forward, projecting as a legitimate NHL contributor rather than a fringe player. His next few months with CSKA will clarify if this is his new baseline or a peak—either way, he’s trending toward a meaningful role with the Sabres, likely as a versatile, energetic middle-sixer by 2026. Keep an eye on his TOI and how he finishes the KHL season!

Another goal and assist for Poltapov.  His PPG is up to .59.  When I ran the above through Grok he was at .53

[Mr. Allen]

Can someone clarify this for me.  I thought players that signed with KHL could be “bought out” and brought to North America.  Is that not possible?