Helenius - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Sabres preseason: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund set to make debuts

BUFFALO – Fresh off two exhibition wins in which they dressed a regular-season lineup and throttled the competition, the Sabres will use minor leaguers for tonight’s road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Later today, about 25 or so Sabres will leave for the team’s season-opening trip to Europe. Meanwhile, the rest of the training camp roster will stay in Buffalo and complete the preseason schedule.

So tonight’s roster is filled with AHL and ECHL talent. ... Read the full article

After signing contract, Sabres’ Peyton Krebs might have to battle for spot

BUFFALO – When the Sabres overhauled their third and fourth lines during the offseason by trading for Ryan McLeod and Beck Malenstyn and signing two free agents, center Peyton Krebs’ future here became uncertain.

Krebs, the Sabres’ last restricted free agent, is officially back for his fourth season, having signed a two-year, $2.9 million contract on Tuesday. But as training camp opens today with the first on-ice sessions in KeyBank Center, it’s unclear where he ... Read the full article

Size, skill make Sabres’ Anton Wahlberg intriguing prospect: ‘Maybe a steal’

BUFFALO – Vinny Prospal listened to the question about Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg’s brief stint with the Rochester Americans, leaned forward to the microphone and offered a one-word answer.

“Size,” a smiling Prospal said of what stood out about the youngster.

When Wahlberg, 19, arrived in Rochester late last season, his 6-foot-3, 198-pound frame quickly grabbed the assistant coach’s attention.

Among Amerks forwards last year, only 6-foot-5 Brett Murray was taller. Among drafted Sabres forwards ... Read the full article

Konsta Helenius among first-rounders on Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster

Five first-round picks, including centers Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall selection this year, and Jiri Kulich, who scored 27 goals in the AHL last season, highlight the 22-man Prospects Challenge roster the Buffalo Sabres released Tuesday.

Forwards Noah Ostlund, Isak Rosen and defenseman Ryan Johnson are the other Buffalo first-rounders who will be participating in the rookie camp tournament that runs from Friday until Monday at LECOM Harborcenter.... Read the full article

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

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

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

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

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