TOUCH DOWN: In light of Konsta Helenius’s strong performance in Finland and his recent recognition on the AHL’s All-Prospects Team, Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has sent a clear message: Helenius is expected to…

The message from Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams couldn’t be clearer: Konsta Helenius isn’t just another name on the roster — he’s part of the plan. In the wake of Helenius’s standout season in the Finnish Liiga and his well-earned place on the AHL’s All-Prospects Team, the 19-year-old center has touched down in Buffalo with a wave of expectation behind him.

“Konsta has shown us that he’s not just talented — he’s mature, driven, and ready,” said Adams in a press conference Monday morning. “His performance overseas was elite, and his transition to North American ice in the AHL has only reinforced what we saw when we drafted him. We’re expecting him to compete for a spot out of camp.”

From Finland to the Forefront

Helenius, selected 14th overall by the Sabres in the 2024 NHL Draft, made headlines throughout the 2024–25 season with Jukurit in Finland. Known for his cerebral play, smooth skating, and two-way effectiveness, Helenius posted 45 points in 52 games — impressive numbers for a teenager playing against grown men in one of Europe’s top leagues.

His late-season jump to the Rochester Americans only added fuel to the fire. Over the course of 10 games, he tallied 4 goals and 6 assists, catching the eye of scouts and fans alike. The AHL honored him as part of its All-Prospects Team — an accolade typically reserved for players with longer tenures in the league.

“I just tried to play my game,” Helenius said modestly. “I wanted to show that I could adapt quickly and help the team win.”

A Spot to Win

With the Sabres entering a pivotal year in their rebuild-turned-playoff push, Adams is signaling a shift: the youth movement is no longer about patience — it’s about production. While Buffalo’s core of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens remains intact, there’s a growing expectation that fresh blood like Helenius will play a key role.

“He’s got the hockey IQ and defensive responsibility of a veteran,” head coach Don Granato said. “But what stands out is his poise under pressure. He makes the right play in tough moments.”

Helenius is expected to compete for a middle-six center role at training camp, with an outside shot at second-line duty if he clicks quickly. With Casey Mittelstadt traded to the Avalanche at the deadline last season, the center depth chart is more fluid than ever.

A New Era in Buffalo

The Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, but optimism in Western New York is at a high not seen in over a decade. With rising stars like Zach Benson, Matthew Savoie, and now Konsta Helenius, the team is brimming with talent and ambition.

“Buffalo is ready,” Adams concluded. “And so is Konsta. We’re not just looking to develop anymore — we’re looking to win.”

For Helenius, the journey from Finland to Buffalo represents more than a physical relocation — it’s a chance to anchor a franchise desperate for a breakthrough. And if his recent trajectory is any indication, he might just be the one to help deliver it.