Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams has dipped into the college free-agent pool, securing another promising prospect for the team’s development pipeline. The Sabres have signed a young, talented forward from Brown University to a two-year, entry-level contract that will officially begin in the 2025-26 season. In the meantime, Kopff will join the Rochester Americans on an amateur tryout, allowing him to get acclimated to the organization and gain professional experience in the AHL.
A Rising Prospect from Brown University
The forward, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound left winger from New Jersey, has steadily developed into a strong offensive presence at Brown. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded nine goals and 28 points across 32 games, improving on his freshman campaign, where he notched six goals and 18 points in 30 games. His ability to produce consistently, even in a competitive NCAA environment, has made him a compelling addition to Buffalo’s prospect pool.
Before committing to the collegiate route, Kopff honed his skills in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), a well-regarded developmental league known for producing NHL-caliber talent. His performance at Brown suggests he has the potential to continue his upward trajectory as he transitions to the professional ranks.
Impressive Performances and Standout Moments
Tyler Kopff demonstrated his offensive prowess throughout the 2024-25 season, tallying six multi-point games for the Bears. His most notable performance came on January 31, when he registered a five-point night—four assists and one goal—in Brown’s thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). This marked the first time a Brown player had recorded a five-point game since 2016.
Just over a week later, on February 9, Kopff again showcased his scoring ability, contributing two goals and four points in Brown’s dominant 5-1 win over Yale. These standout performances highlighted his playmaking skills and ability to take over games when needed.
A Rare College Free Agent Signing for Buffalo
The Sabres have not been a frequent landing spot for top college free agents, as such players often prefer organizations with less crowded prospect pools. The last significant NCAA free agent signing by Buffalo was forward Brandon Biro from Penn State University on March 18, 2020. With high draft picks frequently filling the organization’s depth chart, the Sabres have struggled to attract undrafted collegiate talent. However, Kopff’s decision to join Buffalo suggests the team is becoming a more appealing option for developing players seeking NHL opportunities.
Buffalo’s Contract Situation and Future Moves
According to PuckPedia, the Sabres have currently used 44 of their 50 allotted contracts. However, with several players set to enter free agency this summer, Buffalo could have additional roster flexibility moving forward. The signing of Kopff indicates the team’s continued focus on adding young talent to its ranks, potentially signaling further moves as the organization shapes its roster for the coming seasons.
For now, Kopff will have the opportunity to prove himself at the AHL level with Rochester, where he can refine his game and make a case for a future NHL role. His size, skill, and offensive instincts make him an intriguing prospect, and the Sabres will be eager to see how he develops in their system.
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