Sabres retain rights to 44-year-old Kriukov, who never played in NHL
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 6:02 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
The Buffalo Sabres still hold the rights to Artyom Kriukov, selected 15th overall in the 2000 NHL Draft. Kriukov, now 44, never transitioned from the KHL to the NHL and retired a decade ago. Despite his long absence, the team's rights means they could sign him if he were to return from retirement. This situation highlights a unique aspect of NHL contracts where rights remain with the drafting team.
- •Kriukov was drafted by the Sabres in 2000 but never played in the NHL.
- •He retired from professional hockey 10 years ago.
- •The Sabres still hold his rights due to NHL contract rules.
- •Kriukov has not been a standout player in the KHL.
- •His potential return to the NHL remains highly unlikely.
- 6:02 PMYahoo Sports — Sabres and 44-year old 1st-round pick could still join forces
"This is a fascinating quirk of contracts in the NHL.
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