Nikita Zadorov will make his season debut Thursday against the Kings.

Zadorov will make his season debut Thursday against the Kings.

Analysis:

Zadorov will replace Sam Reinhart in the lineup, as the Sabres dress seven defensemen. The 2013 first-round pick could clearly stand to benefit from consistent ice time, but it doesn't sound as though the Sabres are prepared to give him that at the NHL level. Zadorov's future is still unclear as SKA St. Petersburg, the KHL team that owns his rights, has so far refused to release him to the OHL for a third season.