F Konsta Helenius (2024, 14th, BUF)

[De Montreal]

6 points in 7 games in the playoff so far

 

[Chainshot]

Thought you might like this, what a goal from Helenius,



Konsta Helenius Highlight Reel Goal 5:06

I believe he was chirping Mailloux after his shorty tonight too. They have something of a rivalry going, which is interesting to see as they both develop.

 

[Svedu]

I believe he was chirping Mailloux after his shorty tonight too. They have something of a rivalry going, which is interesting to see as they both develop.

Wow! Love it. Konsta being absolutely filthy.

 

[Chainshot]

So he's been very involved thus far in all seven playoff games. Most of it has been on RW, a variety of centers and linemates. He has some sort of personal contest with Mailloux that goes back to the regular season that has added spice to the Laval series. The contact driven nature of his low cycle play is interesting to watch - wondering how much more strength he adds as he finishes growing into his body. It's wild to think of how young he is -- started the regular season as the youngest player in the AHL, still now 2nd youngest to Luchenko to have played in the playoffs. He just turned 19 a few weeks ago.

 

[De Montreal]

I see some Plekanec in him personnally

 

[ddlennon]

Is he progressing to play top line minutes + 1pp at rochester next season and a cup of coffee at nhl lvl and then try to go for it 2026 season in nhl ? or has he more stagnated since hes 17yo draft season ? for anyone whos watched him in rochester atleast the playoff highlights looked nice effective plays

 

[DJN21]

Is he progressing to play top line minutes + 1pp at rochester next season and a cup of coffee at nhl lvl and then try to go for it 2026 season in nhl ? or has he more stagnated since hes 17yo draft season ? for anyone whos watched him in rochester atleast the playoff highlights looked nice effective plays

Lots to dissect here in a way....

Rochester is set to have a fairly large roster turnover it appears so chances at PP time surely. I think "top line" is a stretch because its in their best interest to get him back to Center to grow in that role and he 'shouldn't' be 1C on the team next year. Ideally that'd be filled by a vet acquisition. Also same can be said for Ostlund who likely starts in Rochester again next year so neither should be a 1C especially Helenius at his age in the AHL but they both could potentially cannibalize eachother's playing time to extent if the Sabres are smart and groom them both as centers.

He hasn't stagnated at all. As Chainshot said what he brought to the table at his age is actually impressive. I'd say if anything he overachieved in terms of experience gained this year compared to many of his draft peers.

Cup of coffee? Maybe it's way to early to know what moves will be made depth wise, what injuries will occur etc etc. Again for a cup of coffee per say he'd be competing with Isak Rosen who likely is further ahead in the development curve if any top prospect is getting called up. That being said I think most Sabres fans will be disappointed if all of Rosen, Ostlund and Helenius are still in our system at the time of said call up because it means we probably didn't make the adequate trades required to ice a playoff level team....so yeah idk lots to go over and lots of catalysts imo

 

[majormajor]

Lots to dissect here in a way....

Rochester is set to have a fairly large roster turnover it appears so chances at PP time surely. I think "top line" is a stretch because its in their best interest to get him back to Center to grow in that role and he 'shouldn't' be 1C on the team next year. Ideally that'd be filled by a vet acquisition. Also same can be said for Ostlund who likely starts in Rochester again next year so neither should be a 1C especially Helenius at his age in the AHL but they both could potentially cannibalize eachother's playing time to extent if the Sabres are smart and groom them both as centers.

My (outsider) sense is that they should both be ready to play top six center roles in the AHL next year. FWIW Luca Del Bel Belluz was 1C on a good Cleveland team this year and it was a good development experience for him. I think if Ostlund and Helenius are in middle six roles it won't be as good for their confidence. I say give them the best possible wingers and rely on them in all important aspects. I understand if a player really isn't ready for that that it would hurt the confidence, but they seem to have everything they need for the job.

 

[DJN21]

My (outsider) sense is that they should both be ready to play top six center roles in the AHL next year. FWIW Luca Del Bel Belluz was 1C on a good Cleveland team this year and it was a good development experience for him. I think if Ostlund and Helenius are in middle six roles it won't be as good for their confidence. I say give them the best possible wingers and rely on them in all important aspects. I understand if a player really isn't ready for that that it would hurt the confidence, but they seem to have everything they need for the job.

The AHL can be a tough league to learn on the fly like that as a 19 year old though because it is a very physical league full of guys on their last leg to make it to the show. Ostlund and Helenius are very different players stylistically too. If Rochester went with them and their top 2 centers I'd imagine Ostlund would get the better wingers as he is a more natural set up man. I wouldn't be surprised if Helenius followed more of a Benson style trajectory in that his skill set is better on wing but I'd be disappointed because we need centers badly.

 

[Chainshot]

My (outsider) sense is that they should both be ready to play top six center roles in the AHL next year. FWIW Luca Del Bel Belluz was 1C on a good Cleveland team this year and it was a good development experience for him. I think if Ostlund and Helenius are in middle six roles it won't be as good for their confidence. I say give them the best possible wingers and rely on them in all important aspects. I understand if a player really isn't ready for that that it would hurt the confidence, but they seem to have everything they need for the job.

DBB is nearly 2.5 years older than Helenius though. Comparing him to Ostlund, sure, same draft class and closer in age and reasonably close in terms of points per game production.