Golden Lion Konsta Helenius received a wild NHL rating – "Don't be surprised if..."

The joy pill of the Lions’ spring World Championship gold team Konsta Helenius is entering the upcoming season with the goal of securing a spot on the Buffalo Sabres’ NHL roster.

The 20-year-old Sabres’ first-round pick from the summer of 2024 is believed to have had a significant impact on the fact that the team’s GM Jarmo Kekäläinen did not sign star forward Alex Tuch to an extension.

The Hockey Writers article mentions Helenius even in the discussion for the winner of the Calder Trophy awarded to the best rookie in the upcoming NHL season.

– Helenius deserves to be part of the Calder discussion. He doesn’t receive the same attention as Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, or Porter Martone, but his potential ceiling is just as high. If he performs at the level of his potential, he will not only fill the void left by Tuch but redefine the core of Buffalo’s offensive game, The Hockey Writers praises the Finnish prospect.

Helenius is projected to have a spot in the Sabres’ third line according to early forecasts. However, if his performances from last spring continue, the Finn may quickly find himself in the NHL team’s top lines.

– Head coach Lindy Ruff seems ready to give him a real opportunity. Helenius is expected to start his season on the third line between Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn, but if his confidence continues to grow, don’t be surprised if he soon plays in the top line with Zach Benson and Tage Thompson, the site assesses.

Helenius’ last season in the AHL was quite a fireworks display as the young player scored 63 points in 63 regular-season games with 21 goals and 42 assists.

On the NHL side, the forward played a total of 13 games in the regular season and playoffs combined, with stats of 3 goals and 3 assists for a total of 6 points.