Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - With the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select forward Konsta Helenius from Jukurit in Finnish Liiga.
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.
This past season, Helenius produced 36 points (14+22) in 51 games played, which is some of the best production from any prospect coming out of Finland during their draft year. Only Aleksander Barkov and Patrik Laine put up better points per-game numbers in their draft year in the Finnish Liiga.
Helenius also participated in both the Under-18 and Under-20 World Junior Championship this past year for Finland. In five games played in the U-18 tournament, he recorded seven assists. In seven games at the World Juniors in Sweden, he recorded a goal and an assist.
Helenius is beaming with confidence whenever the puck hits his stick. He becomes an X factor on the ice with his ability to control the pace of play thanks to some great vision and natural instincts. He’s also not afraid to take pucks to the net, be a physical presence in the dirty areas, and compete to win puck battles using his instincts in all three zones.
Over 84 games in two seasons with Jukurit, Helenius combined to produce 47 points (17+30).
Helenius is expected to return to Finland next year and play for Tappara, where has he signed a one-year contract, according to Elite Prospects. Tappara is one of the most successful professional teams in Finland, having won its third championship in-a-row this past season.
The Sabres acquired the 14th overall pick on Thursday in a trade Thursday with the San Jose Sharks for the 11th overall pick in Round 1.
Buffalo's next selection in the 2024 NHL Draft comes in Round 2 with the 42nd overall pick, which was also acquired in Thursday's trade with the Sharks (originally owned by the New Jersey Devils).
