Buffalo Sabres sign first-round pick Konsta Helenius

The 14th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Konsta Helenius, is officially a member of the Buffalo Sabres as he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team Monday morning.

He is the first member of the Sabres’ draft selections to make things official.

“We see a winning hockey player,” Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said. “Someone who’s going to play center for us and help us win hockey games.”

Helenius was recently at development camp with the Sabres and the Rochester Americans, where he appeared to impress some viewers.

“I think he’s very agile,” said Adam Mair, the Sabres’ director of player development. “He’s got really good hands. He’s got vision and he can make plays.”

Rochester Americans assistant coach Vinny Prospal cited the 18-year-old’s knowledge and game sense.

Last season in Finland’s top professional league, Helenius had 36 points in 51 games and represented his country at the IIHF World Championship in May. He was the youngest player at the tournament.