Prospect Info: Konsta Helenius, RC, Jukurit (Liiga) - 14th Overall, 2024

[Chainshot]

His combine stuff was fun -

 

[Krieger Bot]

They took the guy I wanted them to take! That always feels good

 

[Gabrielor]

Welcome to Buffalo. It's who I would've taken.

 

[Zman5778]

Seems like an ideal 3C. When would you all expect him to go Rochester?

So Elite Prospects has his contract expiring at the end of this upcoming year. I'd expect him to play the year in Finland, then come over to Rochester for 25/26.

 

[Chainshot]

"We've never tracked a player who crosschecked someone as much as you." - paraphrasing.

 

[old kummelweck]

I like that analyst who wrote the NYT piece. Interesting observations.

 

[Chainshot]

Bob had him at #8. ISS at #11, McKeens at #13, Dobber at #9.

 

[HaNotsri]

Is he under contract in Europe next season?

If liiga works the same as shl you can sign recent 1st round draft picks until 15th of july regardless of current contract.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Yes

Is he under contract in Europe next season?

Yes but LIGA has a transfer agreement so as a 1st rounder Buffalo can keep him

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

Damn, I like it. So we didn’t fire Skinner, made a trade I like, and picked a guy I like. Win?

 

[Chainshot]

Dobber's has this bit in their page on him -

April 2024 -The highly intelligent center with a well-balanced skill set has stayed in our top 10 during the whole season. While he may lack some of the high-end tools the other names in the top 10 possess, Helenius compensates for it with a profound understanding of the game. His impact on the ice in all three zones is significant and his ability to adjust is impressive as he is usually able to learn and improve inside the game. Helenius has continued to showcase his ability to be the best version of himself when playing under pressure. For his team’s playoff stint he improved his play from the regular season and played mature and more physical hockey as Jukurit’s first line center. He still has some hockey left as he will play with the national team in the U18 worlds and maybe with the men’s team as well. From the developmental point of view Helenius is already a quite complete 200-feet player but he could transform into a more dangerous dual threat in the offensive zone by working on his release as he is already a skillful playmaker. Anni Karvinen (April Rankings: 9th Overall)

Konsta Helenius

June 2024 - Helenius was selected 14th overall by the Sabres. Pat Quinn April 2024 -The highly intelligent center with a well-balanced skill set has stayed in our top 10 during the whole season. While he may lack some of the high-end tools the other names in the top 10 possess, Helenius...

dobberprospects.com

 

[Old Navy Goat]

On my way to Bangkok Hospital after separating my shoulder from self-celebration after jumping on the Helenius train last year

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Bob had him at #8. ISS at #11, McKeens at #13, Dobber at #9.

Sounds like good value, and to pick up a 2nd that HOPEFULLY GETS DEALT to boot.

 

[Ace]

There is a future where Helenius and Benson are 2/3rds of an elite match-up line with the skill to bury big ones.

Miss me with his size. He's already 190. Just because someone isn't 6'4 doesn't mean they don't play hard and are hard to play against. It's been one year since Benson proved that at 18

 

[Zman5778]

The more I read about Helenius........it sure looks to me like he's Anton Lundell version 2.0 minus like an inch or two.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

The more I read about Helenius........it sure looks to me like he's Anton Lundell version 2.0 minus like an inch or two.

My hope, with a bit more offense.

 

[HaNotsri]

I have a feeling we will be forever grateful that Adams failed to make the trade.
Our biggest need short-medium term.
Extremely well rounded center with shutdown skills and offensive upside.
He should be able to beat Krebs for a spot if Kevyn fails to add nhl-centers.

I'm hoping for Saku Koivu with extra meat and hot sauce.

4th all time as an U18 player in liiga when it comes to points

 

[Fezzy126]

Seems decent...

 

[old kummelweck]

His combine stuff was fun -

confident kid

 

[Sabre Dance]

Watched a couple clips, probably way off but I see some Reinhart.

 

[old kummelweck]

Watched a couple clips, probably way off but I see some Reinhart.

Johan Larsson for me.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

2 years in a row I didn’t want them to make the pick. 2 years in a row they blew me away with who they got. Love the pick. Not as much as I loved benson but love the pick.

But with 2 months extra time to work on it he should be hitting these.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

On my way to Bangkok Hospital after separating my shoulder from self-celebration after jumping on the Helenius train last year

If your happy chief, I'm happy

 

[Chainshot]

There’s a technical, cerebral, well rounded two-way center that has the physical and mental tools needed for his game to translate, offering him a very high floor. Where his ceiling might fall short is within his lack of high end scoring upside and lack of dynamic skating ability. When you take his understanding of space, his balance between playing with poise and playing with urgency, his willingness to get the job done at the cost of comfort, and his innate ability to make his teammates around him better both on and off the puck, it forms a player that can contribute both in the regular seasons and in the playoffs. We think of Helenius as a player that fits the same mold as Nico Hischier, although we think his production falls more into the 60-65 point area.

More from HP's Black Book.

 

[Matt Ress]

Not who I wanted but I'm cheering for the guy. I wouldn't expect an actual undersized feisty NHL player. Hopefully a guy that plays hard but don't set your bar any higher.