The Buffalo Sabres’ early-season slump has put Konsta Helenius under a brighter spotlight than the team probably wanted this soon.
Helenius entered the year with real buzz after flashing major upside last season, when he came up from Rochester and played nine regular-season games. He also played a key role in the Sabres’ push that took the Canadiens to seven games in the playoffs. At his best, he looks like a center who can grow into major value in the middle of the ice, the kind of player who could eventually matter at the level of Tage Thompson.
But right now, the production has not matched the promise. In 10 games, Helenius has only two points, and he has already been a healthy scratch once this season. For a young player trying to secure a spot, that kind of development does not go unnoticed.
The numbers point to some of the problems, too. Helenius ranks worst among Sabres forwards with 5.37 turnovers per 60 minutes.
If opposing teams have started to key on his passing, that may be part of why his impact has dipped. Whatever the reason, the Sabres need him to sort it out quickly.
Buffalo made its offseason choice to lean on the forwards already in the organization after losing Alex Tuch, while putting more of its money into the defense. That left a clear opening for young players up front, Helenius included. So far, though, he has been one of the players caught in the team’s overall offensive drag.
That leaves the Sabres with a decision. Do they keep him in Buffalo and let him work through it, or send him back to the AHL’s Rochester Americans to rebuild some confidence?
There is an argument for both sides. He might look sharp in Rochester, but if he comes back and keeps struggling, that could take a toll mentally.
Helenius’ one goal this season came in the opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, when he cut the lead to 4-3 in the second period with a one-time shot from the left side. That kind of finish is exactly what the Sabres want to see more often.
He was part of the youth wave that gave Buffalo so much hope after last year’s playoff run. Now the pressure is on for him to turn that potential into something real.
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