Tyson Kozak signs NHL entry-level contract with Buffalo Sabres

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks, proud member club of the Western Hockey League, announced today that co-captain Tyson Kozak has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.

Originally selected by the Sabres in the seventh round, #193 overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft, Kozak excelled as one of the team’s captains in 2021-22 with career-best numbers across the board. The Souris, Man. product finished fourth in team scoring with 32 goals and 37 assists for 69 points in 66 games. Excelling in all areas of the ice, Kozak also helped the Hawks to a pair of top-five power play and penalty killing units in the WHL.

Kozak maintains one more year of WHL eligibility should Buffalo elect to further develop him in Portland.

Hey @BuffaloSabres fans, meet your new friend, @TysonKozak. 👋 pic.twitter.com/mSgfjbgN8a

— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) July 24, 2021

During the 2021-22 campaign, Kozak became the 135th Winterhawk all-time to reach 100 career points in Portland. Through 152 regular-season games, the Hawks’ standout center boasts 48 goals and 61 points for 109 points.

Kozak was selected by the Winterhawks in the sixth round of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft after an impressive campaign with the Southwest Cougars AAA program. He joins Taylor Gauthier, Cross Hanas, Jaydon Dureau and Clay Hanus as members of the 2021-22 Winterhawks roster to put pen to paper on professional contracts in 2022.