F Konsta Helenius (2024, 14th, BUF)

[De Montreal]

Lehkonen seems like a good comparable but I also see a bit of Suzuki in him

 

[Craig Ludwig]

Hopefully Lindy wakes up next year and gives him a full time spot, kid deserved to be full time this year but dinosaur coaches stick with lesser veterans.

 

[Chainshot]

Hopefully Lindy wakes up next year and gives him a full time spot, kid deserved to be full time this year but dinosaur coaches stick with lesser veterans.

He started well and cooled off during his initial recall. Full marks to him for going back down with a great attitude and taking in the coaching from guys like Leone and Prospal - Vinny in particular was kicking his ass about his defensive game and driving him to shoot more. He used the time well and looks like he is now ready to step away from AHL duty, to be a fixture in the NHL lineup.

 

[Svedu]

Lehkonen seems like a good comparable but I also see a bit of Suzuki in him

I see Bäckström light or better than (younger I know) Stenberg if he will play as a winger.

 

[Svedu]

He started well and cooled off during his initial recall. Full marks to him for going back down with a great attitude and taking in the coaching from guys like Leone and Prospal - Vinny in particular was kicking his ass about his defensive game and driving him to shoot more. He used the time well and looks like he is now ready to step away from AHL duty, to be a fixture in the NHL lineup.

I hope he gets a top9 role and PP2 next year already. I believe he will be good enough for that as well. Good summer training and a gold medal with Finland and bam let's go!

 

[BelovedIsles]

Really impressed me during the playoffs. Looks like a quality multifaceted 2C. Buffalo knows how to draft.

 

[Chainshot]

Not bad for being only 20.

 

[Dubi Doo]

STUD! Any GM that had a chance to get him part of a package when Jarmo was big name hunting probably lost their chance. He ain't going anywhere, and the best part about it all is not only is he extremely skilled- he's a DAWG that fits in so well with what Buffalo is building.

Buffalo is going to be a PITA to play against going forward because their top-6 in 2 years will be littered with players like Benson, Doan, Helenius, Ostlund, etc...extremely skilled players who would die on the ice before losing a puck battle + a whole lot of smarts to go with it.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Not bad for being only 20.

That clip is the epitome of this kid. Big game clutch factor on display? Check. Imense skill and IQ to score the goal? Check. That dawg in him owns an opposing player? Check (though, it came about 1 second after he scored, haha).

 

[Chainshot]

That clip is the epitome of this kid. Big game clutch factor on display? Check. Imense skill and IQ to score the goal? Check. That dawg in him owns an opposing player? Check (though, it came about 1 second after he scored, haha).

He likes to draw contact. Sometimes it works in his favor, sometimes he's picking himself out of the penalty box. But he has that desire for man-against-man contested physicality where he wants to go through people at times. It's fun for sure.

 

[Jukurit]

Calder Finalist next season.

 

[Goldenhands]

You can check that thread, he was a favorite of mine in the 2024 draft, he was who I wanted the Habs to pick at 5th OV with Demidov off the board. Ridiculous how far he dropped, nice grab by the Sabres mid draft. imagine thinking Luchanko was as good or even better than this kid...

 

[majormajor]

He should be one of the Calder favorites alongside Martone and maybe Stenberg. He's that good, and on Buffalo I think he'll get a lot of minutes at center right away.

I don't think most here will know the name Helenius though until a month or two into next season.

 

[FinPanda]

So clutch! Goals in all the games that mattered and two game winners. Love this kud!

 

[BKarchitect]

I hope the Sabres can give him suitable ice time next year. The team is…don’t laugh…still deep even if they don’t sign their UFAs, and I would think they at least take a stab at bringing Tuch and Malenstyn back.

The 4th line looks pretty locked in with some combo of Greenway, Carrick, Malenstyn, Danforth and Kozak.

Then in the top nine you have Tage, Benson, Doan, McLeod, Norris, Quinn, Ostlund, Krebs…Kulich will also be back. That’s nine and that doesn’t count Zucker who is still under contract or potentially bringing Tuch back which puts you at 10-11 guys plus all the 4th line guys.

I’m sure you want to move off Zucker and Quinn or Krebs could be trade bait…but it’s a lot of bodies and Helenius, unlike all these other guys pretty much, can still be sent down.

@Chainshot or other Sabres ITK’s…how do you see the depth shaking out?

 

[Chainshot]

I hope the Sabres can give him suitable ice time next year. The team is…don’t laugh…still deep even if they don’t sign their UFAs, and I would think they at least take a stab at bringing Tuch and Malenstyn back.

The 4th line looks pretty locked in with some combo of Greenway, Carrick, Malenstyn, Danforth and Kozak.

Then in the top nine you have Tage, Benson, Doan, McLeod, Norris, Quinn, Ostlund, Krebs…Kulich will also be back. That’s nine and that doesn’t count Zucker who is still under contract or potentially bringing Tuch back which puts you at 10-11 guys plus all the 4th line guys.

I’m sure you want to move off Zucker and Quinn or Krebs could be trade bait…but it’s a lot of bodies and Helenius, unlike all these other guys pretty much, can still be sent down.

@Chainshot or other Sabres ITK’s…how do you see the depth shaking out?

Everyone else can skip this.

There are a lot of moving parts for sure. Now to make a reasoned response around my morning coffee.

Tage, Doan, Benson for sure are around.

I don't know if they move off Quinn or Zucker. They provided a lot of five-on-five support scoring down the stretch and once Konsta moved into that line at center in the playoffs too. They probably want to get a bit more time for that trio but sometimes things happen. I lean toward them both being back. Zucker is part of their culture stuff, Quinn looks like the penny has dropped and he's been competitive late in the season and into the playoffs which is a biggy for what Jarmo's said about roster.

One issue is they have a couple of guys who have been injury prone in Norris and now Ostlund and the uncertainty about Kulich (how long will it take him to get his game back). They have depth guys who have been injured too in Carrick (elbow?), Kozak (wonky back), and Danforth (knee cap fracture) who like Kulich are going to have to show that they can play again.

Norris healthy has been very good. However as Sens fans know, he's rarely healthy. That's a spot many would like to improve/upgrade even if it is a reliability improvement rather than a talent bump. Sadly, every other team in the league would like a good center too.

Ostlund looks like he belongs and made things work so much better when he was in the lineup. He had time on the wing, had time at center, but again got hurt (this time a leg) and that's been a mildly concerning trend for his pro career.

Helenius' playoff and WC chops make it look like he is done at the AHL tier and should be in the middle of the NHL lineup. It might just be as simple as he soaks up the roster spot if Tuch departs. However, if Tuch is back, they still need ELC cost efficiency and who couldn't use a contact-seeking, fast player with a nose for the net?

Kulich likely has suppressed trade value due to his season-long clot issue. He has shown a determination and dedication to preparation that is absolutely an asset. I wouldn't bet against him stepping right back in, but at the same time he's going to have to show he can play again. There is also the cloud that he might have a chronic issue. I doubt they trade him, thinking he can get back to where he was the heavy-shot, defensively responsible glue guy for Thompson to end '24-25.


Casualties to their current group could include but aren't limited to -

Tuch's ask vs what they have available this summer due to Skinner's buyout hit and of course aging concerns. This seems like the team having to decide if they are now in their window for say the next four years or if they take the frugal way out. I lean toward retaining him but down around $9.25M.

Malenstyn was an absolute joy and as befits this thread since he was obtained in part due to the trade down from 11OA to 14OA giving Buffalo the extra pick to get him. He's simply wired differently and they got so much out of him in terms of physical play, PKing, shot blocking and every now and then a jaw-dropping goal. He's their ritual hype guy coming on and off the ice, big culture player who I hope they can retain.

I wonder at Krebs - he's said he wants to stay and is RFA. He is a Ruff favorite but may have been priced off the team since he got work at LW with Tage for much of the year instead of down the lineup in an energy roll. He might be a guy who isn't back even though he seems like someone who really wants to stay. He's energetic but often not effective offensively despite a career high in goals/points.

I wonder at Greenway who is part of the leadership group and put in a great deal of work to get back into the lineup after almost two years of hernia issues (talked about his time with the specialist to get back into the lineup as involving 8 hour workout days). He was part of their resurgent PK (along with UFA's Malenstyn and Tuch as well as possible cap casualty McLeod) and there were times when his size and surprising playmaking helped to win them games. He was also part of the leadership group that was credited with turning things around this season.

I wonder if McLeod's demotion in the playoffs gives Jarmo reason to shift him to a team looking for a 2C/3C. If they think Ostlund can be healthy enough and Helenius has arrived, it may be McLeod's salary that gets shifted IMO. I'm not alone in this but I'm in the deep minority of Sabre fans regarding that option.

I wonder at Danforth coming back from a fractured knee cap at his age. I wonder at Carrick's wonky arm at his age even if his initial run of games were fun and surprisingly productive.

So I think Helenius is up for good and will shuffle around in the middle of the lineup for now, particularly with Quinn and Zucker as their 2ndary scoring line behind whatever Thompson is doing. If they keep some of their UFA's, he's cheaper than guys they likely have to sacrifice to make that happen. If they move on from those UFA's, he's shown he's ready for the biggest moments and should be getting time in important situations.

 

[De Montreal]

Everyone else can skip this.

There are a lot of moving parts for sure. Now to make a reasoned response around my morning coffee.

Tage, Doan, Benson for sure are around.

I don't know if they move off Quinn or Zucker. They provided a lot of five-on-five support scoring down the stretch and once Konsta moved into that line at center in the playoffs too. They probably want to get a bit more time for that trio but sometimes things happen. I lean toward them both being back. Zucker is part of their culture stuff, Quinn looks like the penny has dropped and he's been competitive late in the season and into the playoffs which is a biggy for what Jarmo's said about roster.

One issue is they have a couple of guys who have been injury prone in Norris and now Ostlund and the uncertainty about Kulich (how long will it take him to get his game back). They have depth guys who have been injured too in Carrick (elbow?), Kozak (wonky back), and Danforth (knee cap fracture) who like Kulich are going to have to show that they can play again.

Norris healthy has been very good. However as Sens fans know, he's rarely healthy. That's a spot many would like to improve/upgrade even if it is a reliability improvement rather than a talent bump. Sadly, every other team in the league would like a good center too.

Ostlund looks like he belongs and made things work so much better when he was in the lineup. He had time on the wing, had time at center, but again got hurt (this time a leg) and that's been a mildly concerning trend for his pro career.

Helenius' playoff and WC chops make it look like he is done at the AHL tier and should be in the middle of the NHL lineup. It might just be as simple as he soaks up the roster spot if Tuch departs. However, if Tuch is back, they still need ELC cost efficiency and who couldn't use a contact-seeking, fast player with a nose for the net?

Kulich likely has suppressed trade value due to his season-long clot issue. He has shown a determination and dedication to preparation that is absolutely an asset. I wouldn't bet against him stepping right back in, but at the same time he's going to have to show he can play again. There is also the cloud that he might have a chronic issue. I doubt they trade him, thinking he can get back to where he was the heavy-shot, defensively responsible glue guy for Thompson to end '24-25.


Casualties to their current group could include but aren't limited to -

Tuch's ask vs what they have available this summer due to Skinner's buyout hit and of course aging concerns. This seems like the team having to decide if they are now in their window for say the next four years or if they take the frugal way out. I lean toward retaining him but down around $9.25M.

Malenstyn was an absolute joy and as befits this thread since he was obtained in part due to the trade down from 11OA to 14OA giving Buffalo the extra pick to get him. He's simply wired differently and they got so much out of him in terms of physical play, PKing, shot blocking and every now and then a jaw-dropping goal. He's their ritual hype guy coming on and off the ice, big culture player who I hope they can retain.

I wonder at Krebs - he's said he wants to stay and is RFA. He is a Ruff favorite but may have been priced off the team since he got work at LW with Tage for much of the year instead of down the lineup in an energy roll. He might be a guy who isn't back even though he seems like someone who really wants to stay. He's energetic but often not effective offensively despite a career high in goals/points.

I wonder at Greenway who is part of the leadership group and put in a great deal of work to get back into the lineup after almost two years of hernia issues (talked about his time with the specialist to get back into the lineup as involving 8 hour workout days). He was part of their resurgent PK (along with UFA's Malenstyn and Tuch as well as possible cap casualty McLeod) and there were times when his size and surprising playmaking helped to win them games. He was also part of the leadership group that was credited with turning things around this season.

I wonder if McLeod's demotion in the playoffs gives Jarmo reason to shift him to a team looking for a 2C/3C. If they think Ostlund can be healthy enough and Helenius has arrived, it may be McLeod's salary that gets shifted IMO. I'm not alone in this but I'm in the deep minority of Sabre fans regarding that option.

I wonder at Danforth coming back from a fractured knee cap at his age. I wonder at Carrick's wonky arm at his age even if his initial run of games were fun and surprisingly productive.

So I think Helenius is up for good and will shuffle around in the middle of the lineup for now, particularly with Quinn and Zucker as their 2ndary scoring line behind whatever Thompson is doing. If they keep some of their UFA's, he's cheaper than guys they likely have to sacrifice to make that happen. If they move on from those UFA's, he's shown he's ready for the biggest moments and should be getting time in important situations.

And do you see him playing centre or winger next year? And long term?

 

[Chainshot]

And do you see him playing centre or winger next year? And long term?

I see him at center now and long term.

 

[Konsta The Monsta]

Stamp idea

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Seems like he's really done a lot of maturing physically over the last 2-3 years. His strength and explosiveness appear to be have improved significantly, two areas that for me held him back from being a top 5 forward in his draft.

 

[Svedu]

Seems like he's really done a lot of maturing physically over the last 2-3 years. His strength and explosiveness appear to be have improved significantly, two areas that for me held him back from being a top 5 forward in his draft.

Agreed. Skating has improved surprisingly much. Even if both Barkov and Granlund were able to do that i dont think i've ever seen a Finnish prospect take such huge steps in skating during such a short period. Regarding the strength i was actually hoping and believing he could become decent in that department from the get go because he never looked really thin nor weak. But he likes contact or handles it well and doesnt shy away, therefor he needed to add that extra bit and damn is this kid on his way.
I wont be surprised if he ends up having a better career than the second pick from this upcoming draft tbh. Says it all really. Steal.

Makes me hope that Aatu Räty could follow up with a bit more added to his skating because he for sure has great top9 potential and even decent top6 imo. Good shot, good IQ, two-way, can make plays and finish. But it's the skating and intensity that could be lacking for the NHL.

Overall i have to say that these players, perhaps a good Finnish system adds to that of course, but players like Konsta, Lenni and Aatu really seemed clever out there. Like perhaps finns lack in the skating department a bit, or yeah of course we do. But the IQ and two-way effort seems to be very high and often the strengths of Finnish forwards.
Swedes seem to produce a bit more in the NHL but leading finns and their teams make it far in the playoffs and when they dont? Finland are able to win gold. There for sure is something subtle but different between Finnish and Swedish players and especially amongst forwards at this moment.
Compare Barkov to anyone and he's the winner. Aho to another Swedish center? Compare Konsta to Swedes in the same age group? Compare Lundell to EP40 as well, i mean i at least now who i would pick in a playoff game when i want to win. Strange thing really. Look at Raymond, he's flashy and impressive. But is he a sure bet better performer than Rantanen, Kakko and others? I think not. Back in the days it was the opposite but these younger Finnish guns seem to be real winners somehow. Impressive. Excited for Konsta!

 

[Svedu]

View attachment 1248267Stamp idea

Amazing. Love it.

 

[majormajor]

Seems like he's really done a lot of maturing physically over the last 2-3 years. His strength and explosiveness appear to be have improved significantly, two areas that for me held him back from being a top 5 forward in his draft.

Many of us thought Helenius was a total beast in his draft year.

But he had that familiar knock on him that he was supposedly already filled out and close to maximum strength, that he would have to tone down the physicality in the NHL when guys would often be bigger than him. So what did he do? He got even stronger and more explosive.

I wonder what team scouts said about his physical development. In retrospect the public scouting discussion was obviously off.

 

[jaa]

In retrospect the public scouting discussion was obviously off.

I thought that when the draft was on. You could see his above average IQ and smarts, positioning etc way before his draft year. Not many established Finnish nhl stars played so well on their d-2, d-1 and draft years. I thought that his floor was premium 3c or average 2c.

 

[majormajor]

I thought that his floor was premium 3c or average 2c.

That was what every scout seemed to be saying. I don't know if I once heard doubt that he could be a middle six center. But no one seemed to think he could be more than a 2C, and that is what seems off in retrospect. Helenius looks like "Violent Nick Suzuki" out there, forget this 2C ceiling stuff. I'm not saying I know he'll be a 1C, but the possibilities are more wide open than the narrow discussion we had about him two years ago.