The Buffalo Sabres selected Konsta Helenius at No. 14 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and so far he's lived up to the sky-high expectations associated with being an early pick. The question is whether he's already closing in on a full-time role with the big club.
Helenius enjoyed a solid first season in North America. The center recorded 35 points (14 goals and 21 assists) in 65 regular-season games for the AHL's Rochester Americans. He added three goals and three assists across eight contests during the Amerks' playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Sabres have several questions to answer within their forward group after the offseason trade of JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. It could open the door for an early NHL arrival by the 19-year-old Finland native.
NHL analyst expects to see Helenius soon
Hannah Stuart of Bleacher Report, who previously called the Sabres organization "not a good development environment," is projecting Helenius will earn an NHL role in short order.
"I already thought this, but going back and watching him again I have to imagine that Helenius is already being factored into the Sabres' plans for this coming NHL season," Stuart wrote Thursday. "His intelligence, his playmaking abilities, and his awareness and poise are all highlights of his game, and are also all things that would benefit the Sabres' roster significantly."
It's a fair assessment, but the uncertainty is where the 5-foot-11 forward would fit in Buffalo's lineup.
Helenius' competition for a roster spot
Right now, the Sabres already have 13 forwards to fight for 12 spots in the Opening Night lineup. Head coach Lindy Ruff and Co. are scheduled to host the New York Rangers on Oct. 9 to open the campaign.
Beck Malenstyn and Justin Danforth are likely fighting for the final spot, but the winner is going to play on the fourth line. It's highly unlikely Buffalo would bring Helenius up unless he's going to play in the top nine, and perhaps even the top six.
So, the only way for the former Mikkelin Jukurit standout to earn a roster spot out of the gate would be if he outshines Jack Quinn or Jiri Kulich throughout training camp and the preseason. (Injuries could always change the equation, as well.)
Kulich can still be sent down to the Americans without needing to require waivers, though that feels unlikely since he played 62 games for the Sabres last season. Quinn would have to clear waivers, which brings a trade into the conversation if he isn't going to make the team.
Ultimately, the numbers game could keep Helenius in Rochester rather the Buffalo.
Forecasting forward's 2025-26 role
Unless a significant injury pops up during camp, Helenius will likely be destined to start the season on the Amerks' top line. He handed a tough role well in the 2025 AHL playoffs, and his budding two-way game is the main reason he's already pushing for an NHL spot.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see him stay in Rochester for the first half of the campaign before joining Finland for the U-20 World Junior Championships. He scored six points in seven games in last season's tournament as the Finns captured a silver medal.
After Helenius returns from the World Juniors, his development trajectory should be clear enough to know whether he's ready to join the Sabres for the stretch run of the regular season or if it's best for him to stay with the Amerks for the entire year.
Buffalo also has some other forward prospects, including Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund and Anton Wahlberg, who are aiming to prove they're ready to make the jump, too. So, Ruff and general manager Kevyn Adams will have some options as roster spots open up.
All told, whether Helenius arrives to Buffalo this season or next, he's on the fast track toward becoming a key piece for the Sabres in the near future.