It might not matter what the Buffalo Sabres do from this point on.
The Montreal Canadiens may have found too imposing a groove for the Sabres to overcome no matter what they do.
In the meantime, though, Buffalo has to consider all its options. And that includes Konsta Helenius.
Helenius was called up to Buffalo’s roster after the AHL Rochester Americans’ season ended, but he and a group of fellow AHLers have just helped out in practice at this point.
If the Sabres wanted, though, Helenius would be eligible to play.
Could he help? It seems unlikely he could hurt.
This is what local TV reporter Thad Brown thinks about it:
I’m skeptical about #Sabres turning to 19 year old as a savior.
But when Isak Rosen was traded, Helenius had to become THE star in Rochester.
He lived to up every inch.Repeatedly scored big goals.
Plenty like this, mostly on his own.If there’s a 19 year old who’s ready,… https://t.co/TdcbSkzWzz
— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) May 11, 2026
MORE: The Mitch Marner irony of Auston Matthews’ future with the Maple Leafs
Helenius doesn’t have the NHL experience that some might hope for, but he’s got the skill. Maybe that could make a difference.
The 19-year old played 63 games this season with the AHL’s Amerks and just nine with the Sabres.
He had 21 goals and 41 assists (62 points) in his 63 AHL games.
With the Sabres, Helenius had four points in nine games — a goal and three assists.
Again, maybe it doesn’t matter.
But it might time to consider something drastic.
