'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
Archives for June 2024
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
Sabres re-sign Clague to 1-year deal
'The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Kale Clague to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000, the team announced Friday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres re-sign Clague to 1-year deal
Kevyn Adams balancing urgency, long-term plan as Sabres aim to finally end drought
'“We as a management group, and Lindy and the coaching staff, we understand the position that we’re in,” Adams added. “There’s urgency. We feel that our team is in a good place. We like our group. But we need to get better. I truly believe this group has an opportunity to take a big step this upcoming year and that’s the expectation. So that helps when I look at how you make … [Read more...] about Kevyn Adams balancing urgency, long-term plan as Sabres aim to finally end drought
Mike Harrington: In Sin City terms, Kevyn Adams' chips all have to go to the middle of the table
'O’Reilly lost his love for the game in Buffalo and sure found it in St. Louis in 2019, taking home a Conn Smythe Trophy with his Cup. Jack Eichel traded. Cup last year in Vegas. Reinhart traded. Won Monday night – and scored the Cup-winning goal. Baffling. Maddening. Downright sickening really.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In Sin City terms, Kevyn Adams’ chips all have to go to the middle of the table
Sabres notes: GM Kevyn Adams trading back in first round could lead to bigger move
'The move gave the Sabres nine picks in the NHL draft, which begins with the first round Friday night at The Sphere in Las Vegas and concludes Saturday with rounds two through seven. They may not select that many players, though. Adams is still shopping the 14th pick to try to upgrade his NHL roster, and he’s informed teams that he’d move either of Buffalo’s second-round … [Read more...] about Sabres notes: GM Kevyn Adams trading back in first round could lead to bigger move
Alan Pergament: Florida's Stanley Cup victory loaded with former Sabres gets huge ratings in WNY
'Florida’s win in the winner-take-all game had a terrific 10.4 local rating, raising the local average to 5.3, well above the NBA average.' … [Read more...] about Alan Pergament: Florida’s Stanley Cup victory loaded with former Sabres gets huge ratings in WNY
Trading first pick could only be start of Sabres’ aggressive dealing at NHL Draft
'After Thursday’s deal, the Sabres have nine picks this weekend at The Sphere, including two second-round selections (42nd and 43rd). They’ve also assembled a stable of strong prospects over the past few years. Adams possesses enough capital to make bold moves.' … [Read more...] about Trading first pick could only be start of Sabres’ aggressive dealing at NHL Draft
Sabres’ Jeff Skinner not interested in waiving no-movement clause
'“There’s been honest communication, but no indication that that’s something they’re willing to look at,” Adams said Thursday of Skinner and his representatives at Newport Sports. “But all you can do is just have honest conversations and explain certain situations that could be out there, and we’ve done that.' … [Read more...] about Sabres’ Jeff Skinner not interested in waiving no-movement clause
Sabres trade No. 11 pick to Sharks, gain draft capital
'"I feel strongly after (picks) six or seven, it's really a wide range of where the names are going to go," Adams said. "We felt it's a real good value for us to make that deal. We really like the group of players we see ourselves potentially targeting at No. 14. We pick up an extra asset, which is good value at pick No. 42."' … [Read more...] about Sabres trade No. 11 pick to Sharks, gain draft capital
Questions surround Sabres ahead of 2024 NHL Draft
'Buffalo holds an impressive pool of young talent, inclduing Jiri Kulich (2022, No. 28), Matt Savoie (2022, No. 9), Noah Ostlund (2022, No. 16) and Isak Rosen (2021, No. 14), defensemen Ryan Johnson (2019, No. 31) and goalies Devon Levi (trade, Florida Panthers) and Topias Leinonen (2022, No. 41). Add that to the star-level talent within the forwards and a blue line consisting … [Read more...] about Questions surround Sabres ahead of 2024 NHL Draft