Sabres Prospects Who Could Have an Impact Next Season

The Buffalo Sabres are set to miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, but with that comes a prospect pool loaded with talent. Since their playoff drought began, most of their first-round picks have been inside the top 10, including two first-overall selections—Rasmus Dahlin (2018) and Owen Power (2021). They’ve also had two second-overall picks, selecting Sam Reinhart (2014) and Jack Eichel (2015). Reinhart was later a key piece in the trade that brought Devon Levi from Florida, while Eichel was dealt to Vegas in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, has been thriving this season. With a 39-18-7 record and 85 points, they currently rank fourth overall in the league and second in their division. Standout performances from players like Levi and Isak Rosen have been instrumental in their success. It’s no surprise that when an NHL team accumulates top-tier prospects, its AHL squad benefits as well.

With that in mind, here are four prospects who could make an impact on the Sabres next season. Honorable mention goes to Lukas Rousek, who has tallied 39 points in 64 games for Rochester.

4. Noah Ostlund

Noah Östlund, drafted 16th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has developed as the Sabres had hoped. According to the Elite Prospects draft guide, heading into the draft, Östlund was described as “a dynamic, shifty playmaker who takes full advantage of the width of the ice to build passing sequences. A dexterous distributor with the full array of reach-adjusted passes and the keen eye to find options through traffic, he was the most prolific setup man in the entire Swedish junior circuit.”

Now in his first full season with the Americans, Östlund has recorded 30 points in 42 games. After starting the season sidelined with an injury, he initially struggled upon his return. However, he has since become one of Rochester’s most consistent producers. A highly effective power-play weapon, he can create plays from anywhere in the offensive zone. Despite being listed at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, the undersized center plays bigger than his frame suggests. With smooth skating and elite puck-handling skills, he continues to show why he was such a highly regarded prospect.

3. Konsta Helenius

Konsta Helenius, drafted 14th overall by the Sabres in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, has quickly shown why he was such a coveted prospect. According to the Elite Prospects draft guide, the 18-year-old center is “a well-rounded, detailed play-driver who is always a step ahead of the opposition. He stays with his check, takes away passing and shooting options with a strong defensive stick, and refuses to get outworked in puck battles and on retrievals. He regularly wins body positioning from a disadvantage against bigger and stronger opponents, seals the puck, and moves it up the ice to start a counterattack.”