Hasn't crushed the league, but for a young guy of his stature, who still needs to add some muscle and maybe height, he's having a very nice rookie AHL season. About 0.5 PPG I think. Lightning quick shot, lightning quick decision making and movement. He's going to score goals in the NHL if he develops, and make a ton of plays.
His skill level is off the charts, I think it's right up there with guys like Kent Johnson, Eklund and Lysell. Not quite the same type of player, but just based on skill level, think he is top end. Skating is amazing. But size and muscle will be an issue, and he seems a bit more hesitant in certain circumstances than those 3. Not suggesting he's quite on their level as an overall prospect, but I honestly don't think he's far behind, in terms of skill and ceiling at least. Those three are a bit ahead of him I think right now in terms of being developed and ready to play at the highest level.
I do question his willingness and ability to move outside of his comfort zone.
Sabres are going to have a ton of very difficult decisions to make within the next 4 years or so. The amount of high ceiling forwards they have in their system atm is insane. I'm not sure where Rosen fits with the rest, but between Savoie, Quinn, Peterka, Ostlund, Kulich, and Rosen, competition for top 6 is going to be brutal.
I think Tuch is having a career year right now, but if 2-3 of these guys reach their potential, Tuch is going to have a hard time keeping a top 6 position, unless they eventually trade him. Skinner even for that matter, all though I suspect he might end up being the first to be moved.
And the way Cozens and Thompson have exploded, breaking out this season and imo clearly the Sabres 1C/2C long term unless something derails things, whatever 4 wingers end up being paired with them are going to have the opportunity to put up some huge numbers. Pretty sure at this point, Savoie and maybe even Kulich will either end up on the wing, bottom 6 centers or traded to another team eventually.
Anyway, Rosen has the fight of his life ahead of him. As good as his prospect competition is, I actually think he might have the 2nd highest overall ceiling and skill level of any of the Sabres top forward prospects, right behind Savoie. But Savoie's size is probably an even bigger issue as he's only like 5'9.
Anyway, if this kid develops his body and continues on his current trajectory, I think the Sabres are looking at a clear top 6 forward with a good chance to be a 1st line guy. I think Ehlers comparisons were pretty spot on. And they seem to have a similar avoidance of contact and muddy corners.