Buffalo Sabres' top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season
The Buffalo Sabres have been a middling franchise in the NHL for years as Buffalo hasn't made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season.
However, the Sabres have some high-end prospects who should be making an impact in the NHL this season. Here are three prospects to watch out for.
Buffalo Sabres' top 3 prospects to watch out for
#1. Jiri Kulich
Jiri Kulich was selected 28th overall by the Sabres in the 2022 NHL draft and he appears set to become a full-time NHL player.
Kulich appeared in one NHL game last season, but in the AHL, he recorded 27 goals and 18 assists for 45 points in 57 games. Kulich led the AHL team in goals last season and he should play in NHL games next season, whether or not he makes the team out of camp though is to be seen.
#2. Konsta Helenius
Konsta Helenius was drafted 14th overall by the Sabres in the 2024 NHL draft and he has a chance to be an impact player in his rookie season.
Helenius is expected to come to North America next season, allowing him to play in the AHL and NHL.
“Just that production at that age is very unique. But there’s just a lot to like,” the Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said via NHL.com. “He’s a very competitive player that’s got a skill set that we think will translate really well to the National Hockey League. You never know the timeline when a player like this will be ready to help you, but when you have the experience that he’s gained through the men’s league, through the World Championships, that certainly expedites things.”
Helenius had 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points in 51 games in the Finnish league, Liiga.
#3. Isak Rosen
Isak Rosen will have to play well in the AHL next season to get a legitimate chance in the NHL minutes.
Rosen played in seven games last season, but the Sabres are deeper, so it will be harder for the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft. Last season in the AHL, Rosen recorded 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points in 67 games.