The Buffalo Sabres farm system has received mixed reviews throughout the summer. Some analysts took aim at the franchise for its lack of consistent success in the NHL Draft, while others provided some reasons for optimism when it comes to the club's top prospects.
Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff provided his take Monday as part of his ranking of the top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Although three members of the Sabres organization made the list — full analysis on each of them below — none of them cracked the top 30, which is a concern for a team that desperately needs more high-end talent.
Konsta Helenius (No. 34 overall)
Helenius is essentially the consensus choice as Buffalo's top prospect at this point. The 19-year-old Finnish rising star produced a solid first year in North America, tallying 35 points (14 goals and 21 assists) in 65 games last season for the AHL's Rochester Americans.
More impressively, the 2024 first-round pick earned a key role during the Amerks' playoff run. He recorded three goals and three helpers across eight postseason games, and his strong defensive acumen held up despite being asked to handle some difficult matchups,
"What sets Helenius apart from others in Buffalo's system is his exceptional hockey IQ," Ellis wrote. "He's a creative player who rarely lets a play die in order to just make a pass."
The 5-foot-11 center doesn't project as a major goal-scorer at the NHL level, but every other aspect of his game is trending nicely. His tremendous vision aids his playmaking ability and he's never looked out of place when on the ice in key defensive situations.
Helenius will likely play a few games for the Sabres this season, but spending most of the campaign in Rochester before trying to make Buffalo's roster in 2026-27 is best for his long-term development.
Radim Mrtka (No. 35)
The Sabres invested the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft in Mrtka with hope he'll eventually become a long-term partner for Rasmus Dahlin on the top pair. It's a realistic expectation for the 6-foot-6 Czech Republic native, though he's still a few development years away.
Mrtka, who already signed his entry-level contract with Buffalo, put together a solid debut campaign with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds last year. He posted 35 points (three goals and 32 assists) in 43 appearances, which really helped him move up draft boards.
The right-shot defenseman has always showcased impressive playmaking ability, but maximizing his 6-foot-6 frame will be essential to NHL success. He's a willing defender with a good stick but using that size to create leverage in front of his own net is a work in progress.
"Will Mrtka become the second-best defender in this class? Only time will tell," Ellis wrote. "The big Czech blueliner can shoot, pass and even pull off some high-skill moves."
A future top-four defensive group of Rasmus Dahlin and Mrtka followed by Owen Power and Michael Kesselring represents a potential area of significant strength for the Sabres. The 2025 first-rounder must continue on his recent development trajectory to make that reality, though.
Noah Ostlund (No. 74)
Ostlund has yet to look like a future first-line superstar, but he's enjoyed a steady development that should allow him to emerge as a solid middle-six option for Buffalo.
The 21-year-old Swedish forward compiled 36 points (19 goals and 17 assists) in 45 games for the Amerks last season. Buffalo is still waiting to see a little more of the passing talent he often displayed while playing junior hockey in his home country, though.
"The smart, playmaking forward might not beat guys with pure skill, but he'll outthink you in tight situations and will find his linemates on the rush," Ellis wrote.
While Ostlund received his first cup of NHL coffee last season, he failed to record a point across his eight appearances. He'll probably receive at least a dozen more chances with Buffalo in 2025-26 as he's likely among the top potential forward call-ups on Rochester's roster.
The Sabres will hope he's ready for a full-time role with the big club next season, but his play with the Americans is going to determine whether that's a realistic goal.