The AHL recently announced its Top Prospect Team for the 2025-26 season, and Konsta Helenius made the team for the second straight year after another excellent season with the Rochester Americans. This past season, Helenius had 21 goals and 42 assists in 63 games at the AHL level, but it is now on Helenius and the Sabres to make sure he doesn't have a chance to win the award.
The reason Helenius shouldn't have a chance to win the award is that he needs to be with the Buffalo Sabres full-time next season, which starts with Opening Night. Helenius showed in the playoffs that he can absolutely compete with the best in the NHL and was a huge spark for the Sabres late in the series against the Canadiens.
After the Amerks season was over, Helenius was brought up to the Buffalo Sabres as one of their black aces for the remainder of their playoffs. The challenge was that if the Sabres played Helenius it was going to burn a year on his entry-level contract.
However, Lindy Ruff and the coaching staff saw something in practice that made them believe that Helenius could help them. They were validated in their belief as Helenius had two goals in four games and a +/- of +1.
Konsta Helenius continued that strong play on the international stage in the IIHF World Championship with Team Finland. He had two pivotal goals, including the golden goal in the Championship Game, to secure a gold medal. Now looking ahead to next season, the Sabres are expected to have a different lineup with the expected departure of Alex Tuch.
Buffalo Sabres have seen enough to make Konsta Helenius a full-time player on their roster
Regardless of the changes the Sabres make, they need to write Helenius' name into the roster with pen and not pencil. Even at just 20 years old, the 14th overall pick from the 2024 NHL Draft has shown that he is ready for the next step and is poised to play in the NHL.
The Sabres are going to have options with where they put Helenius in the lineup but he seemingly would be a great fit in the middle six on a line with Noah Ostlund. They could go with a younger line that includes Jack Quinn or maybe a veteran like Jason Zucker.
It is clear they have options for next season but those options need to start with Helenius on the roster and ensure he is not back in the AHL next season.
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