Sabres grab Finnish center Konsta Helenius 14th overall

The Buffalo Sabres drafted Finnish center Konsta Helenius with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday.

Konsta Helenius

Helenius was a key member of one of the top teams in Finland, finishing seventh on Jukurit with 36 points as an 18-year-old. He doesn't boast any standout physical traits, but he plays a strong, 200-foot game that's mature beyond his years - something all coaches love.

For someone on the smaller side, his skating is good, but not elite. That could prevent him from being a bona fide No. 1 center, but a quality second-line center is well within his potential. He's a good playmaker who can also put the puck in the net with a slick curl-and-drag release.

What they're saying

"Helenius isn't a big center, but he gives strong efforts off the puck, doesn't shy from going to the net and has an edge to his game," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman, who had Helenius No. 14 on his board and used Max Domi as a player comparison. "Inside the NHL the debate is whether he's a good or a special 5-11 forward. I've seen enough flashes to think the latter, but his so-so U18 worlds and world juniors gives some pause."