The Buffalo Sabres had a quiet offseason.
They acquired some minor pieces but lost major ones from the prior season, such as Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. Tuch and Byram had plenty to do with the Sabres’ success last season. So with them gone, they will be looking for other players to step up.
One player who could be due for a breakout season is forward Konsta Helenius. Helenius is only 20 years old and has played in 9 regular season games. Despite a small sample size, he has proven that he can be a game-changer, recording four points and 15 shots on goal.
With Buffalo’s center depth questionable, Helenius could see a bigger role in the lineup and soon become the future and face of Sabres hockey.
Success in the Big Moments
As previously mentioned, Helenius doesn’t have much experience in the league, but he has shown that he thrives in big moments. In Buffalo’s 2026 playoff run, he was called up for Game 4 of the series against the Montreal Canadiens and quickly made his presence known. He recorded two goals and 10 shots on goal in his first four career playoff games.
His postseason success led to his joining Team Finland at the IIHF World Championships. Helenius registered three goals and six points in the tournament. He also scored the golden goal in overtime against Sweden, winning Finland their fifth world championship.
Helenius has already put the league on notice, and his ability to be clutch when it matters the most is something the Sabres could really use. If his play in the postseason can translate to the upcoming regular season, he will no doubt be a star in the NHL.
Weak Center Depth
If the season were to begin today, Buffalo’s four centers would be Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, Ryan McLeod and Helenius. On paper, it isn’t a group that would be a threat to opposing defenses.
Norris and Kulich have shown flashes of what they can be, but have been slowed down by injuries. Norris has struggled with staying healthy his entire career, playing more than 60 games only once in his seven-year career. He missed significant time last season with an upper body injury, only playing 44 games.
Kulich’s 2025-2026 campaign ended after only 12 games, when he was diagnosed with a blood clot. Kulich will be good to go at the beginning of the season, but is still looking for a breakout season, recording only 29 points in 75 career games.
McLeod, on the other hand, has been able to stay healthy. As a result, the first two seasons in Buffalo have been the best seasons of his career. However, McLeod succeeds more in the defensive aspect of the game, whereas Helenius is more of an offensive threat.
With his fellow centers having health concerns and not as offensively skilled, Helenius will have an opportunity to become the top-line center at some point in the season. If Helenius were to play on a line with wingers Tage Thompson and Zach Benson, all three of their games would reach another level.
Helenius has already shown shades of success, and when he is given more opportunities, he could quickly become a fan favorite for all of Sabrehood.
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