In the recently concluded NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres made a notable pick, selecting center Konsta Helenius as the 14th overall pick. Despite being just 18 years old, Helenius has already made an impact playing against stronger and more experienced talent in Finland's top-tier men's league, Liiga. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 189 pounds, the Finnish prospect has thrived on the ice.

Last season, Helenius showcased his skills by scoring 14 goals and tallying 36 points in 51 games for Jukurit. He continued to impress during the playoffs, adding two goals and six points in six contests. Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams commended Helenius' unique production as a teenager facing adult competition, acknowledging that it is something rarely seen.

Helenius boasts an impressive record in Liiga, registering a total of 47 points with Jukurit. This achievement makes him the second-highest-scoring player under the age of 18 in the history of the league. The current record is held by Aleksandr Barkov, the captain of the Florida Panthers and one of the NHL's premier players.

The Sabres are excited about Helenius' potential and the skills he brings to the team. Adams praised him as a natural center with a strong two-way game, noting that Helenius takes pride in his defensive abilities. Under the coaching of Olli Jokinen, a former NHL player and Adams' former teammate in Florida, Helenius has developed into a more well-rounded player, embracing the importance of strong defensive play.

Despite his young age, Helenius feels prepared to play hockey in North America. Adams mentioned that the upcoming season holds various possibilities for the Finnish center, including the chance to earn a spot on the Buffalo roster. The Sabres believe that Helenius' competitive nature and skill set will translate well to the NHL, especially considering the experience he has gained playing against men in Finland's top league and representing Team Finland at the World Championship.

The Sabres' recent success with prospect development has fueled their optimism regarding Helenius. Last season, another young player, Zach Benson, surprised the team by earning a roster spot and appearing in 71 games. Adams expressed openness to improving the roster through trades but emphasized that the team's prospects, including Helenius, would only be moved with the intention of immediate roster improvement.

With their sights set on Helenius, who was ranked in their top 10, the Sabres were not inclined to trade down during the draft. The team has shown a commitment to selecting high-end center prospects in recent drafts, with Matt Savoie, Noah Ostlund, and Jiri Kulich all being chosen in the first round in 2022.

The interest shown by other teams in Buffalo's prospects is seen as a testament to the strength of the Sabres' prospect pool. Adams reiterated that any potential trades involving their prospects would only occur if it benefited the team by enhancing the current roster.

As the Sabres look ahead to the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Konsta Helenius as he attends the team's development camp in Buffalo. The organization is excited about his potential and the impact he could make on the NHL stage.