Konsta Helenius skates July 1 during development camp in LECOM Harborcenter. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius set to play in North America in 2024-25

Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius will be playing in North America in the 2024-25 season.

Tappara, Helenius’ Finnish team in Liiga, announced Monday on its social media platforms the center has left to join the Sabres organization.

Helenius, the 14th overall pick June 28, signed his entry-level NHL contract July 8.... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius skates July 4 in LECOM Harborcenter. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

After trading down, Sabres could have NHL-ready talent in Konsta Helenius

In November, four months before Konsta Helenius developed into Jukurit’s best player and seven months before the Buffalo Sabres traded down and drafted him 14th overall, his coach, Olli Jokinen, said the prospect would play in the NHL this upcoming season.

At just 17, Helenius was one of the youngest players in Liiga, a high-level pro league in his native Finland. After a year with Jukurit, the center had finally earned enough trust to ... Read the full article

Buffalo drafted Konsta Helenius on June 28. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres sign prospect Konsta Helenius to entry-level contract

The Buffalo Sabres on Monday signed center prospect Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall pick on June 28, to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Finn, having spent the last two years competing against stronger and more experienced talent in Liiga, could continue his pro hockey in North America next season.

Helenius, 18, and Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams have both said they’re open to different options, including playing in Buffalo or with the Rochester Americans.... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius goes through fitness testing June 8 in LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo. ©2024, Micheline Veluvolu

NHL Draft: Sabres thrilled to pick center Konsta Helenius, can’t make trade

LAS VEGAS – Konsta Helenius, the prospect the Buffalo Sabres selected 14th overall Friday at the NHL Draft, turned 18 on May 11. Still, the Finnish center has already played 84 games over two seasons for Jukurit, a team in Liiga, a top-tier men’s league.

Against stronger and more experienced talent, the 5-foot-11, 189-pound Helenius has thrived. Last season, he scored 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games and added two goals and six ... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius talks Friday after Buffalo drafted him in The Sphere. ©2024

Sabres select center Konsta Helenius 14th overall at the NHL Draft

LAS VEGAS – Konsta Helenius, the prospect the Buffalo Sabres selected 14th overall tonight at the NHL Draft, turned 18 on May 11. Still, the Finnish center has already played 84 games over two seasons for Jukurit, a team in Liiga, a men’s league.

Facing stronger and more experienced talent, the 5-foot-11, 189-pound Helenius has stood out. Last season, he scored 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games and added two goals and six ... Read the full article