Is this the next Finnish NHL star? Stanley Cup winner admires: "Incredible guy"

ZÜRICH. The Finnish team received a strong reinforcement during the World Championships when Konsta Helenius joined the team after the Buffalo Sabres’ season ended in the NHL, and the 20-year-old top prospect has not remained in a supporting role in the Swiss tournament.

Helenius was promoted to the Lions’ first line alongside the star duo, Aleksander Barkov and Mikael Granlund, where the young player has responded well to the call. In the quarterfinals against the Czech Republic, the forward opened his scoring account and has collected 1+2 points in four World Championship games.

Among the experienced ranks of the Lions, Olli Määttä has seen up close why Helenius is talked about as one of the next big stars in Finnish ice hockey.

– Tough mental challenges do not faze him. It’s not easy to jump into the playoffs (in the NHL). His skill, skating, and everything is definitely enough. A fantastic guy to play with, but mentally tough as well. An open-minded guy, goes into tight situations and is not afraid, Määttä praised the young forward in front of the media after the Lions’ practice on their day off on Friday.

According to the two-time Stanley Cup champion, Helenius’s development over the past two years has been incredible to watch.

– It’s nice to see how he has progressed from Prague in two years and what kind of step he has taken in his game. He will definitely be a top-class player, Määttä assessed.

The numbers also speak for themselves. Helenius’s season in North America was promising. Playing for the Rochester Americans, the forward scored 21+42=63 points in 63 AHL games.

His entry into the NHL circles was also fearless. In a Buffalo Sabres jersey, Helenius played nine regular season games with 1+3 points. In the playoffs, he only had responsibility in the last four games, where the forward scored two goals.

If his development continues at the same pace, the Lions may have the next Finnish NHL star in their hands.