Sabres sign Konsta Helenius to entry-level contract

Buffalo signs 14th overall pick in 2024 NHL Draft to three-year contract

The Buffalo Sabres wasted no time in signing their first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft to the minimum entry-level contract (ELC).

The 14th overall pick went to the Sabres after general manager Kevyn Adams traded up from 11th overall for a second-round pick. The Finn is considered one of the most likely prospects to play in the NHL at this year’s draft.

After the Sabres traded Matt Savoie over the weekend, signing Helenius to an entry-level contract seemed like a top priority.

Helenius had 36 points (14+22) in 51 games last season in Finland’s top professional league (Liiga). The Ylojarvi, Finland native’s 36 points for Jukurit were the fourth-highest single-season total by an under-18 player in Liiga history, behind current NHL forwards Aleksander Barkov, Mikael Granlund and Kaapo Kakko.