Nikita Novikov (ice hockey)

Nikita Vadimovich Novikov  (Никита Вадимович Новиков; born 25 July 2003) is a Russian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
Novikov was drafted in the sixth round, 188th overall, by the Sabres in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut for HC Dynamo Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) during the 2021–22 season.

Following his second season in the KHL in 2022–23, having appeared in a career high 62 regular season games and recording 5 points from the blueline, Novikov was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on 19 May 2023.

International play
Novikov represented Russia at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships where he recorded five assists in seven games and won a silver medal. He played for Russia at the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.