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.
The 5-foot-11, 189-pound Helenius scored 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games for Jukurit last season and added two goals and six points in six playoff appearances.
Overall, Helenius has registered 47 points with Jukurit, the second-highest total by a Liiga player before his 18th birthday. Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, one of the NHL’s best all-around players, owns the record.
Helenius participated in Buffalo’s development camp last week in LECOM Harborcenter.
“The first thing that stands out is the hockey sense,” Rochester assistant coach Vinny Prospal said after watching Helenius up close. “When you see him, especially in the small-area games, you can really see that he’s got above-average hockey sense compared to some of these players that we have on the ice right now.”