The Buffalo Sabres are calling up one of their most exciting young talents. Forward prospect Konsta Helenius has been recalled from AHL Rochester and could make his NHL debut tonight in Montreal. It’s a big moment for the 19-year-old, who’s been steadily climbing the ranks since being drafted 14th overall in 2024.
The timing of the call-up comes as the Sabres shuffle their lineup due to injuries. Joshua Dunne is heading to injured reserve with a mid-body injury that’s expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
And Joshua Norris, who’s had trouble staying healthy this season, exited yesterday’s win over the Flyers with an upper-body injury. He’s currently listed as day-to-day, according to head coach Lindy Ruff.
That opens the door for Helenius, who’s been knocking loudly.
Let’s rewind a bit. When the Sabres selected Helenius in the first round two drafts ago, the pick was met with near-universal praise.
He was widely projected as a top-10 talent after a standout season in Finland’s top league, Liiga, where he posted 36 points in 51 games for Jukurit - as a 17-year-old. That kind of production in a pro league at that age doesn’t go unnoticed, and it cemented Helenius as one of the most polished two-way centers in his class.
Rather than staying overseas to continue his development, Helenius took a less-traveled route: he signed his entry-level contract and came straight to North America, joining Rochester at just 18 years old. It’s a move that comes with risk - the smaller ice, faster pace, and physical grind of the AHL can be a steep adjustment - but it’s paying off.
Last season, Helenius had a quiet start in Rochester, but this year, he’s turned a corner. Through 34 games, he’s tallied nine goals and 21 assists, good for 30 points - second on the team in scoring. That’s a near point-per-game pace, and he’s doing it as a teenager in a league filled with grown men fighting for NHL jobs.
What makes Helenius stand out isn’t just the offense, though. He’s a responsible, two-way center who can be trusted in all situations.
That’s a rare trait for a young player, and it’s a big reason why he entered the season as Buffalo’s No. 1 prospect, per NHL.com. So far, he’s lived up to that billing.
With Norris out - again - the Sabres are hoping Helenius can step in and show he belongs. Norris, when healthy, has been a bright spot in Buffalo’s top six.
He’s posted six goals and 17 points in 19 games, averaging 0.89 points per game, the best rate of his career. But injuries have once again limited his availability, and the team needs reinforcements.
Helenius might only get a short look for now, but based on his trajectory, it might not be long before he’s a permanent fixture in the Sabres’ lineup. He’s already shown he can handle the AHL. Now, we get to see what he can do on hockey’s biggest stage.