'“He’s a player that could be (in Finland), he could be in Buffalo, Rochester,” Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams said. “Really, anything’s on the table. So obviously, it’s only been a little bit of time here since our pick was announced but certainly something we’ll get into right away with his agent and start that conversation. ... We want to hear what the player has to say … [Read more...] about Sabres eager to get first-round pick Konsta Helenius to North America
Archives for June 29, 2024
Mike Harrington: Sabres are (naturally) thrilled with another first-rounder, but what about the deals?
'They kept the pick and took another kid. Hmm. If you want to, that’s one way to encapsulate the Buffalo Sabres’ night at the NHL draft in the utterly spectacular Sphere. And the connotations of that short sentence aren’t great.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Sabres are (naturally) thrilled with another first-rounder, but what about the deals?
Sabres free agency preview: Kevyn Adams looks to use cap space to reshape roster
'The Sabres had approximately $23.5 million in salary cap space next season before the first round of the NHL draft began Friday night, according to CapFriendly.com, and Adams wanted to use a bulk of that money on upgrades, whether it be through a trade or unrestricted free agency.' … [Read more...] about Sabres free agency preview: Kevyn Adams looks to use cap space to reshape roster
Sabres select center Konsta Helenius 14th overall at the NHL Draft
'Facing stronger and more experienced talent, the 5-foot-11, 189-pound Helenius has stood out. Last season, he scored 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games and added two goals and six points in six playoff contests.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select center Konsta Helenius 14th overall at the NHL Draft
Kevyn Adams believes Kyle Okposo left lasting impact with Sabres
'“I’m fortunate enough to know how special a feeling that is,” Adams said Thursday in the Wynn Hotel prior to the NHL Draft.' … [Read more...] about Kevyn Adams believes Kyle Okposo left lasting impact with Sabres
Sabres select C Konsta Helenius with No. 14 overall pick in first round
'Across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Liiga campaigns, Helenius compiled 47 points as a member of Mikkelin Jukurit, which is second all-time among Liiga players under the age of 18. Stanley Cup champion Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers holds the record with 48 points before turning 18.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select C Konsta Helenius with No. 14 overall pick in first round
Konsta Helenius from Ylöjärvi in Tappara goes to Buffalo at the NHL booking event
'Helenius played the last seasons under Olli Jokinen in Mikkelin Jukurei and developed quickly. Last season, he made an impressive breakthrough and scored 36 points (14+22) in 51 regular season games.' … [Read more...] about Konsta Helenius from Ylöjärvi in Tappara goes to Buffalo at the NHL booking event
Sabres select Konsta Helenius with 14th overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
'As a 17-year-old playing in Finland during his draft year, Helenius was able to forge a pivotal spot for himself in the top professional league playing with Jukurit. He even spent most of his age 16 season playing professionally in Finland amongst many grizzled veterans.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select Konsta Helenius with 14th overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
Adams said teams weren't willing to move NHL players for picks
'“We were aggressive and there weren’t trades that we could get the other teams to agree to and if I was to sum it up, I don’t think there was a trade in the first round that involved an NHL player.' … [Read more...] about Adams said teams weren’t willing to move NHL players for picks
Buffalo Sabres select Konsta Helenius with 14th overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
'A 5'11" center, Helenius, a native of Ylojarvi, Finland, and a product of Jukurit (on loan from Tappara - Liiga) played in 51 games tallying 14 goals, and 22 assists for 36 total points.' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres select Konsta Helenius with 14th overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft
Sabres keep pick, draft Finnish center Konsta Helenius at No. 14
'Ranked as the third-best international skater by NHL Central Scouting Services, the 5-foot-11, 189 pound Helenius is a “reliable, solid player with a great set of tools,” according to the scouting report. “Plays a mature game and does not shy away from the physical side of the game despite his size. A unique skater who always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. … [Read more...] about Sabres keep pick, draft Finnish center Konsta Helenius at No. 14
Sabres select center Konsta Helenius in first round of NHL Draft
'Helenius was ranked No. 3 in NHL Central Scouting's final pre-draft rankings of international skaters. The 5-foot-11, 189-pound forward tallied 36 points in 51 games last season for Jukurit in Liiga, the top league in Finland. Helenius led all U18 skaters in Liiga in points over the last two seasons.' … [Read more...] about Sabres select center Konsta Helenius in first round of NHL Draft
Sabres re-sign Kale Clague to one-year deal
'Clague has recorded five points in 36 games with the Sabres and has 21 points in 94 total NHL games with three different teams.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Kale Clague to one-year deal
Sabres select Helenius with 14th pick in NHL Draft
'The 5-foot-11, 189-pound native of Ylojarvi, Finland recorded 36 points (14+22) in 51 games in Finland’s top professional league (Liiga) while on a loan to Mikkelin Jukurit. His 36 points were the fourth-most in a single season by an under-18 player in Liiga history behind current NHL forwards Aleksander Barkov (48), Mikael Granlund (40), and Kaapo Kakko (38). His 47 career … [Read more...] about Sabres select Helenius with 14th pick in NHL Draft
'I like to battle hard' | Helenius brings mature, competitive identity to Sabres
'Konsta attributed his competitive nature – and by extension his desire to win – to growing up with a brother who was two years his elder. The two competed in sports ranging from soccer to basketball to badminton, and of course hockey. Kalle recalled one instance when, in an attempt to lift his older brother’s stick, Konsta delivered a high stick to Kalle's face that required … [Read more...] about ‘I like to battle hard’ | Helenius brings mature, competitive identity to Sabres