ROUSEK REFLECTS ON ROCHESTER: ‘IT MEANT A LOT’

Sabres 2019 draft pick played in 212 games over parts of four seasons in Rochester

Jun 24, 2025

By Andrew Mossbrooks | @ Mossbrooks48

A lot can happen in six years.

In 2019, the Buffalo Sabres held six picks in June of that year’s NHL Draft. On Day 2 of the draft, with teams across the league nearing the end of their selections, Buffalo had one pick remaining when it was their turn in round six. Then, with the 177^th pick, the team selected 20-year-old Lukas Rousek out of HC Sparta Praha in the Czech league.

Rousek barely knew any english and had never played in North America to that point. A native of Ostrov nad Ohri, the Czech-born forward remained overseas for two additional years, before leaving his town of roughly 16,000 inhabitants to embark on his stateside journey.

Now, it’s time for Rousek to return to Europe.

Following Rochester’s 2025 Calder Cup Playoff run, it was announced that Rousek had signed a contract with HV71 in Sweden, where he will play in the country’s top league next season. Rousek came to America as a young prospect. He has left a proven resume as a quality professional hockey player.

Though he had aspirations of making it to the NHL and staying there as all players do, Rousek spent most of his time as an Amerk. Joined by a group of prospects including Isak Rosén, Tyson Kozak, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Mattias Samuelsson, Jack Quinn, and fellow countryman Jiri Kulich, Rousek was tasked with being a part of Amerks that would not only develop for Buffalo, but win in Rochester. Consider that mission accomplished.

Not only did several of those players go on to become mainstays for the Sabres, but the Amerks continued to win in the Flower City. Rousek played four seasons with Rochester, each resulting in playoff appearances.

“We have a really good team here, and I’m not talking about just the players,” said Rousek. “The whole staff here. The training staff, equipment guys, coaches, and of course the fans, who have supported us and supported me from the start over the last four years.”

Rousek had several memorable seasons with the Amerks. His first full campaign saw the rookie lead Rochester in scoring with 16 goals and 56 points in 2022-23. He posted a 13-game point streak in 2023-24, the longest by an Amerk in over a decade. And this past season, the veteran winger powered through all 72 games, becoming the only Amerk this…