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BUFFALO — Konsta Helenius competitive nature has been evident since he was a child. Growing up, he and his brother, Kalle, who is two years older, not only squared off playing hockey, but also soccer, badminton and tennis.

Kalle was frequently the winner, which only fueled Konsta’s determination to play again and triumph over his brother.

Helenius smiled as he confidently declared, “Our frequent fights have made me skilled in battles.”

The 18-year-old forward prospect, who was chosen by the Sabres as the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has found success as a teenager in Finland’s professional league. Helenius, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 189 pounds, has been playing for Jukurit in Liiga, the top league in the country, for the past two seasons. During this time, he accumulated 36 points (14 goals and 22 assists) in 51 regular-season games, and an additional six points (two goals and four assists) in the playoffs.

In addition, he made a notable impression during the 2024 IIHF World Championship, being the youngest player listed on the team.

Buffalo general manager Kevyn Adams expressed his surprise, stating, “It’s not often you come across something like that. The level of production at such a young age is truly exceptional. However, there are numerous aspects to admire about him. He possesses a strong competitive nature and possesses a skill set that we believe will seamlessly transition to the National Hockey League.”

After signing a three-year entry-level contract on July 8, Helenius has several choices for the upcoming season. He has the option to showcase his skills in Finland with Tappara or join fellow Sabres prospects in the American Hockey League’s Rochester. Additionally, there is a possibility of him making the team out of training camp and playing for Buffalo.

After the initial round of the draft, Adams expressed his belief that Helenius is “nearer rather than further” in terms of readiness, and that the Sabres are eager to bring him over to North America as soon as they can.

Adams stated that the timeline for a player of this caliber being ready to assist is uncertain, but having gained experience in the men’s league and the World Championship, it certainly speeds up the process.

Helenius embarked on his hockey journey by observing his father’s beer league matches alongside his brother. Inspired by his brother’s involvement in the sport, Helenius developed a natural desire to join in. At the age of 16, he made the bold decision to leave his hometown of Ylojarvi and settle in Mikkeli, which is three hours away, where Jukurit hockey team operates. Thankfully, Helenius received support from friends residing in the area who assisted him in acquiring essential life skills such as cooking and operating household appliances like the dishwasher.

On the ice, Helenius learned from former NHL forward Olli Jokinen, his coach with Jukurit. He enjoyed hearing stories about the NHL from Jokinen, who played 1,231 games over 17 seasons, and the guidance to better his game, including face-offs. 

He expressed that playing against grown men there would greatly benefit him. The strong and big guys present in those games would assist him immensely, as battling and all aspects of the game hold significant importance in North America.

Helenius likes to watch center Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes and forward William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs for their skating and puck protection. The goal-scoring talents of Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews are also key viewing, one of several areas of his game Helenius is looking to raise.

He expressed his desire to enhance every aspect of his game. “I aim to strengthen my skating ability, improve puck protection, and overall, elevate my performance,” he stated.