Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have selected defenseman Vsevolod Komarov with the 134th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Komarov spent this past season with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
The right-shot defenseman played 60 games in the QMJHL this year, recording 19 points (2+17). He was selected by Quebec in the first round of the 2021 CHL Import Draft, a draft that allows CHL teams to acquire players from other countries to play for their teams.
The 6-foot-2, 183-pound defenseman is still attempting to translate to the North American game, as he has only played one year on the continent.
According to Elite Prospects, Komarov still needs time to adjust to the speed and skill of the QMJHL. There were times throughout the season where he looked lost and behind the play, however, there were still flashes of his offensive side as the season progressed.
Mitch Brown, Director of North American Scouting at Elite Prospects, says this about Komarov from a specific game in February:
"Pace is low and feet are slow, but Komarov made many interesting plays in this game. Took a pass in motion, skated parallel to the boards, drew defensive attention, then turned the shot into a cross-slot pass for a chance."
It is unknown, at this time, what Komarov's plans are for the 2022-23 season. The Chelyabinsk, Russia native could return to the QMJHL for his second season with the Remparts, where he was teammates with fellow Sabres prospect, Viljami Marjala.
The Sabres acquired the 134th overall pick in the draft in a trade with the New Jersey Devils that saw Buffalo also acquire defenseman Will Butcher for future considerations.
