There were some indications from Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams after the NHL Draft in Las Vegas that the plan for 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius may be to bring him to North America rather than play another season in the Finnish SM-Liiga. On Monday, that possibility was confirmed by Helenius’s club team Tappara, who posted on social media that the 18-year-old would be at Sabres training camp in September to compete for an NHL job.
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“Helenius signed a rookie contract in the NHL this summer and is looking for a place to play in the Buffalo Sabres’ organization. Tappara wishes him good luck on the journey.” Tappara’s feed on X said.
Konsta Helenius allekirjoitti kesällä tulokassopimuksen NHL:ään ja lähtee tavoittelemaan pelipaikkaa Buffalo Sabresin organisaatiosta.
Tappara toivottaa kasvatilleen onnea matkaan!#Tappara #Liiga pic.twitter.com/I5A5d1Du0F
— Tappara Tampere (@Tapparaofficial) August 5, 2024
The 18-year-old was expected to go earlier by many draft prognosticators after being loaned by Tappara to Jukurit last season and scoring 36 points last season. Helenius also played internationally for his country at the 2024 Under-18 World Junior, Under-20 World Junior, and the World Championships, and many analysts believed his highly advanced game at both ends of the ice made him close to being pro-ready.
His impressive performance at Sabres Development Camp last month may have been the final factor in convincing the club’s management to bring him to North America to compete for a job instead of staying in Finland for another season, as Buffalo signed the young center to a three-year, entry-level contract right after camp.
Related: Helenius Impresses At Sabres Development Camp
The Sabres confidence in Helenius may have been a factor in the club’s willingness to deal prospect Matthew Savoie to Edmonton last month, and with him coming across the pond, it could give Rochester two young centers to work with, as 2022 first-rounder Noah Ostlund is also expected to be at camp and start the season with the AHL Amerks.
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