SABRES 2025 PROSPECTS CHALLENGE ROSTER BREAKDOWN

Sep 10, 2025

The Buffalo Sabres, along with four other National Hockey League clubs have arrived at LECOM Harborcenter for the annual rookie showcase in Western New York, or rather, the Prospects Challenge as it’s come to be known.

Each September, up and coming talent for the blue and gold have an opportunity to showcase their skills against touted prospects from other organizations, while also maintaining the spirit of internal competition for ice time and roster spots. This year, 26 players will don a Sabres jersey for Prospects Challenge, though a heavy red, white, and blue presence can be felt, with 10 of the 22 skaters coming from last season’s Amerks squad.

Here’s a full breakdown of the roster for the 2025 Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge:

Forwards (14):

#41 Tyler Kopff: Kopff enters his first Prospects Challenge with the Sabres after the organization signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract in April. Following that, the 22-year-old signed an Amateur Tryout with Rochester, playing in six games for the Amerks towards the tail end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Kopff spent a week with the Sabres at the end of June for Development Camp and scored multiple goals during the team’s blue and gold scrimmage.

“I wrote down a list of everything that I’m going to come back and be better at,” said Kopff when asked about his offseason at Development Camp. “I’m looking forward to making an impression whenever I get the opportunity.

#45 Riley Fiddler-Schultz: After a spending the bulk of his 2023-24 season in ECHL-Jacksonville (Rochester’s affiliate), Fiddler-Schultz had a standout rookie season in the AHL, corralling 13 goals and 26 points through 51 games for the Amerks. His 13 goals ranked sixth overall on the team and third amongst rookies, trailing only Konsta Helenius (14) and Noah Östlund (19).

Fiddler-Schultz’ efforts were rewarded as the undrafted 23-year-old was signed to two-year, entry-level contract by Buffalo at the start of free agency. The Edmonton, Alberta native is a second-generation talent, with his uncle, Vernon Fiddler, having played 16 seasons professionally, including 877 NHL games across four teams (Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas, New Jersey).

#51 Matous Kucharcik: Kucharcik enters his first Prospects Challenge and is one of eight 2025 Sabres’ draft picks, with the Czechian forward being plucked in the fourth round (103rd overall).

While the previous pair of forwards spent last…