Three top-six forwards the Buffalo Sabers could draft

As speculation continues to swirl around the upcoming NHL Draft and sportswriters and fans alike engage in numerous mock scenarios and armchair predictions, the Buffalo Sabers have some choices to make. With the 11th first-round pick, general manager Kevyn Adams and his team must decide what they need most.

The team could go the defensive route and sign a solid defender, but according to Elliotte Friedman, he thinks they are really interested in another top-six forward. If Friedman’s information is correct, here are three available players Adams could choose, either by trading with other general managers or possibly staying at 11.

The 5’11” Finnish center combines high-end offensive skills with unexpected puck strength. As a right-handed shot, Helenius scored five PP goals, won the majority of his faceoffs (50.2%) and averaged 16:57 minutes of ice time in 51 games with the Finnish Hockey League Jukurit in Liiga.

Buffalo’s weakness in scoring with the power play is a well-known and long-standing problem. Drafting an athlete who can score at 5-on-4 is something the blue and gold desperately need to address. If Helenius can do that, that’s more than enough reason for the Sabers to select him.

One observer wrote that he blends the offensive ability of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes with the determination and competitiveness of fellow New Jerseyan Nico Hischier. It’s no surprise that the Devils would want to add a player who would bolster their lines with another talented center. However, if Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to make a deal in exchange for Helenius, Adams could well land the accomplished forward.