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Buffalo Sabres: What does Isak Rosen bring to the organization?

By Sion Fawkes |
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - JULY 23: With the 14th pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select Isak Rosen during the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at the NHL Network studios on July 23, 2021 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - JULY 23: With the 14th pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select Isak Rosen during the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at the NHL Network studios on July 23, 2021 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres had two first round draft picks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. One was Owen Power. The other was Isak Rosen. 

The Buffalo Sabres made Isak Rosen their “other” first round pick in 2021. And unlike Power, he was a pick for the future. We know this because in 51 SHL games (Sweden’s professional league) since 2019-20, Rosen has just five points.

Clearly, the 19-year-old hasn’t fared well when playing grown men, unlike Owen Power, who skated into the Sabres lineup and impressed. And we can all agree SHL players are not on the same rung as their NHL counterparts.

But, Rosen was a first round pick because when playing against players his age, he was lights out, with 56 points in 58 games. This included a 21-goal outing in 2019-20. So Rosen, despite his spindly frame, has bounds of potential the Sabres are looking for.

What Isak Rosen brings to the Buffalo Sabres organization

Skating is Rosen’s distinguishing characteristic. He possesses outstanding agility and can create space for himself. However, the question remains is: Can he carry those attributes at the lower levels over to the AHL?

Buffalo News reported the AHL is where Rosen will be headed, as the odds to slim-to-none that he makes the NHL roster out of the gate. It will be the Swede’s first experience on North American ice, and there will be an adjustment period.

The AHL is much more physical than what Rosen is used to, and we will discover early whether he can handle the league’s physicality. If he can, then expect Rosen to carry over his success in Sweden much faster. If not, look for him to start the season on the middle and lower lines and contribute little early on.

Odds are, Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka will make the Sabres roster, meaning Rosen will have a chance to receive playing time and show off his excellent agility early in Rochester. Given the number of points scored, look for Rosen to further combine his ability to get open with making plays for himself and creating opportunities for others.

In time, expect a cameo NHL appearance as he develops in the AHL. And from there, look for Rosen to eventually translate his enhanced skill-set to the Sabres roster.

(Statistics provided by Hockey DB)

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