'Kruikov, the 15th overall pick in the 2000 NHL draft, has been in western New York since the summer. The Sabres decided they wanted him under contract after assessing his abilities in training camp, but negotiations between the Russian league and the IIHF apparently hit a roadblock. In order to join the Sabres organization, Kruikov, 21, needed his release from his team, Yaroslav, of the Russian League.'