Two Buffalo Sabres prospects who delivered a glimpse of the future in preseason win

There was a lot to like from the Buffalo Sabres' first preseason game as they were able to come away with a road preseason win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In these preseason games, especially the first couple, teams will split the roster and give younger players chances to see more ice time.

For the Sabres, that was the case for two of their top prospects and they took full advantage of it and gave fans just a glimpse of what they might expect in the future.

Radim Mrtka was the Sabres' first-round pick this past June, and after a great showing in the Prospect Challenge, he made his preseason debut on Monday night. He entered this game paired with Bowen Byram, and head coach Lindy Ruff was quick to temper expectations and said this is nothing more than pairing a veteran with a rookie.

However, Mrtka took full advantage of it with an assist on the opening goal of the game in the second period. The Sabres moved the puck around, and Mrtka got it at the blue line before swinging it to Byram for the one-timer.

He finished the game with over 20 minutes of ice time, but the play that stood out more than anything was late in the third period. The play had just ended after Devon Levi controlled the puck, and after the whistle, Jiri Kulich took a bump that Mrtka was quick to step in.

For a player getting his first taste of the NHL, Mrtka didn't look afraid to mix it up and didn't look overwhelmed during the game.

Konsta Helenius was another player who wasn't afraid of some physicality and led the Sabres with seven hits in the game. However, he also showed off his shot late with this filthy goal late in the third period.

Will the Buffalo Sabres have Radim Mrtka join Konsta Helenius in Rochester this season?

Helenius will certainly be back in Rochester and looking to build off a promising first season in the AHL. This game is a great sign that he will do just that, and it wouldn't be surprising if he made his NHL debut at some point this season for at least a game or two.

As for Mrtka, the expectation was that he would return to the WHL to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds after he had 35 points in 43 games. However, the Sabres might end up changing that plan with how good Mrtka has looked over the past few weeks.

After a few strong performances in the Prospect Challenge and then another good game here, he has not looked overwhelmed or outmatched. As tempting as it might be to fast-track Mrtka to the AHL, the Sabres have the luxury of being patient with the first-round pick.

He is only 18 years old, and with how good the Sabres' blueline looks to be, he is really not needed to contribute anytime soon. This is a situation where waiting could end up being the best scenario for Mrtka with another season in the WHL, and look at maybe the AHL next year.