The Buffalo Sabres are bringing up center prospect Anton Wahlberg from AHL Rochester, gearing up for his NHL debut against the Devils. With Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway sidelined, Wahlberg steps in to fill the gap. While the Sabres have two open roster spots, those are earmarked for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Joshua Norris as they return from injured reserve, meaning a roster move is still on the horizon.
Wahlberg, just 20 years old, was the 39th overall pick in the 2023 draft, a selection acquired from the Flyers in the Rasmus Ristolainen trade. Since then, he has quickly made a name for himself.
After making waves in Sweden’s SHL, Wahlberg joined Rochester in 2024. Over 119 games, he has notched 18 goals and 41 assists, tallying 59 points with a solid +16 rating and only 24 penalty minutes.
This season, Wahlberg has played 47 games with Rochester, contributing six goals and 25 points. While he hasn’t been the top scorer, his +12 rating speaks volumes about his two-way play, making him a valuable asset down the middle.
Ranked as a top-10 prospect in the Sabres' impressive pipeline, Wahlberg has caught the eye of analysts. Steven Ellis from Daily Faceoff ranks him at #6, NHL.com at #5, and Elite Prospects at #10. NHL.com notes that the Sabres are keen to see him use his imposing 6’4”, 205-pound frame to generate more offense around the crease.
While Wahlberg's stint might be short-lived with the imminent return of Greenway and Benson, it's a well-deserved opportunity. This experience will not only reward his hard work but also provide the Sabres with valuable insights into his development as he continues to progress toward a more permanent NHL role.