The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. 117 readers ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2025. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
Nikita Novikov
Drafted: 2021 – 6th Round (188th Overall)
Position: Defense
Born: July 25th, 2003 – 22 Years Old
2024-2025 stats: AHL – 68 GP – 6-17-20 / Playoffs: 8 GP – 0-2-2
2024 T25U25 Ranking: 18
Nikita Novikov has jumped up two spots in our ranking after a successful sophomore season in the AHL. While his point total decreased slightly from his rookie season, his game showed signs of improvement. Amerks coach Michael Leone noted in late January that Novikov’s ability to gap up against opposing forwards had started to become a strength after being a weakness as a rookie. He also led the team in plus minus with a +28 rating after leading the team last year with a +20.
The hallmarks of Novikov’s game have always been shutting down plays in the defensive zone and adding a physical edge. Both traits have contributed to his success in the AHL so far. His physical game could bring an element to the Sabres’ defensive core that it has lacked outside of Dahlin for the last few seasons.
He also possesses some good offensive instincts. He has a good feel for when to jump up into the play and can bury a quality scoring chance.
To succeed at the next level, Novikov will need to continue improving his skating and be more precise when breaking out of the puck. He’s great at stopping opposing forwards, but needs to take it one step further and improve at jump-starting the transition game. Otherwise, great defensive plays will be squandered by an inability to exit the zone. He has a great opportunity this upcoming season to step into a larger role in Rochester. With the departures of Kale Clague and Erik Brannstrom, top defensive minutes are up for grabs. If he can cement himself as a top defenseman in Rochester this season, he could start getting some call-up looks with Buffalo.