The Buffalo Sabres have seen several players come up from Rochester this season and make a positive impact. However, Konsta Helenius might be the debut that fans are anticipating the most, and Lindy Ruff recently laid out what the plan is for their top prospect.
Shortly after Josh Norris' injury against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Buffalo Sabres called up Konsta Helenius from Rochester. The 2024 first-round pick has yet to make his NHL debut, but he has been playing great in the AHL this season with nine goals and 21 assists in 34 games, and he looks like a player who could help the Sabres.
Helenius is still waiting for the chance to make his NHL debut, as he has been a healthy scratch for the past two games, leaving fans wondering what the Sabres are waiting for. Prior to the overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild, head coach Lindy Ruff laid out the plan for Helenius.
Ruff had this to say in response to a question about when they were going to get him in the lineup: "I think about what he is as a player and when he does play, he has to play, in my eyes, has to play in that Top 9 to be effective. I think we have seen where Rosen, Ostlund, those guys, when they're playing in the Top 9, that's where they play."
"I just picture him being a good player when you put him in a lineup and being able to provide offense and being strong enough to hang onto pucks and out-battle people."
Buffalo Sabres are being smart with Konsta Helenius to give him best chance to be successful
This approach by Ruff, while frustrating for fans who want to see Helenius on the ice, is the right move and a very different approach to how the Sabres have handled some of their top prospects in the past. There have been too many instances where they recognize the talent is there, and no matter where they are in the lineup, the belief is that they will be successful.
For a 19-year-old with only 99 career AHL games, it is crucial to place him in the best possible position and utilize his skill set effectively. He certainly could step into the center spot on the fourth line, but it doesn't really utilize his skill set.
"He can make plays, he can score, and he's got some bite in his game," Ruff said when talking about Helenius. A player like that needs to be in the middle of a line with players like Jack Quinn, Noah Ostlund, Josh Doan, or even Tage Thompson. Surrounding him with established talent will allow his playmaking to shine while insulating him from the pressure of carrying a line.
There is no question that Helenius' debut is coming soon, and it wouldn't be surprising that once he makes his debut, he is with the Sabres long-term. This calculated approach by Ruff and the Sabres certainly will help achieve that.