Isak Rosen’s Confidence Is Catching Up to His Game - And That’s Big for the Sabres
BUFFALO - Isak Rosen isn’t just visiting the NHL anymore - he’s starting to look like he belongs here for good.
The 22-year-old winger has been recalled by the Buffalo Sabres with a renewed sense of purpose, and more importantly, production. After a rocky introduction to the league in his first 15 NHL games - where he struggled to find his footing and a consistent role - Rosen has quietly transformed into a player who can contribute in multiple ways.
Earlier this season, the Sabres gave Rosen a legitimate shot in a scoring role, sliding him into a top-line spot and giving him time on the power play. He responded the way you want a first-round pick to respond: three goals, seven points, and the kind of assertiveness that wasn’t always there in his earlier stints.
Then came Dec. 21.
With the Sabres in need of depth, Rosen was asked to fill in on the fourth line - a role far removed from the offensive spotlight he’d been thriving in. But instead of fading into the background, he adapted and delivered one of his most impactful games at the NHL level.
That kind of versatility doesn’t just help a young player stick - it earns the trust of coaches and teammates alike.
“It’s never an easy transition,” Rosen said on Sunday at KeyBank Center, fresh off his recall from the Rochester Americans. “You have to put the work in. It feels better, of course, to know that I can play on this level.”
That belief - that he can play at this level - is a big shift for Rosen. And it’s showing up in his game.
While Rosen is back with the Sabres, the team made a corresponding move by sending defenseman Zac Jones to the AHL. The call-up was also prompted by uncertainty surrounding winger Jordan Greenway, who’s still dealing with lingering pain following two hernia surgeries and is set to meet with a doctor on Monday. Head coach Lindy Ruff also noted that another forward played through injury in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Canadiens, despite being doubtful beforehand - a sign of how thin the forward group has become.
Rosen’s return to the NHL comes at a time when his game is clicking in Rochester. On Friday, he netted his 20th goal of the season in just his 28th game with the Amerks - a blistering scoring pace that would project to 51 goals over a full 72-game AHL season. That’s not just hot - that’s elite.
Now in his fourth season of pro hockey, the 14th overall pick from 2021 has blossomed into one of the AHL’s most dangerous offensive threats. He’s racked up 32 points so far and earned a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic for the third straight year. That kind of consistency and growth speaks volumes.
So does the trust he’s earned from Rochester’s coaching staff. About a month ago, Amerks head coach Mike Leone named Rosen an alternate captain - a rare honor for a young forward still carving out his NHL path.
“Huge honor from the coaching staff putting trust in you,” Rosen said. “Yeah, it feels great. It doesn’t change what I do on a daily basis, but it’s always an honor to have that letter.”
That quote sums up Rosen perfectly right now - grounded, focused, and confident. He’s not getting ahead of himself, but he knows he’s ready.
And with the Sabres needing depth, scoring, and a spark as they hit the road to face the Florida Panthers, Rosen might just be the right guy at the right time.