Konsta Helenius (born 11 May 2006) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 14th overall by the Sabres in the 2024 NHL entry draft.
Playing career On 7 February 2024, while playing with Mikkelin Jukurit of the Liiga, Helenius became the second youngest player in Liiga history to record a hat trick, after Tuomo Ruutu, and fifth to do so before the age of 18. He finished the season with 14 goals and 36 points in 51 games. Following the season, he was selected 14th overall in the 2024 NHL entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres, with whom he signed a 3-year entry-level contract on 8 July.
Helenius spent the entire 2024–25 season playing with the Rochester Americans in the AHL. During the 2025–26 season Helenius recorded 30 points (9-G, 21-A) in 34 games with the Rochester Americans en route to being named to the 2026 AHL All-star Classic. On 15 January 2026 Helenius was called up to the Buffalo Sabres later making his NHL debut on 19 January. On 20 January, in his second career NHL game, Helenius scored his first NHL goal, added two assists and was named the first star in a 5–3 win over the Nashville Predators.
Helenius made his playoff debut as a black ace during the 2026 playoffs, scoring his first NHL playoff goal in his second playoff game, a 6–3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on May 14.
International play
At the 2024 World Juniors Helenius was the youngest player on the Finnish roster. Helenius once again appeared in the World Juniors in 2025.
Helenius scored the golden goal in overtime against Switzerland in the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship grand final. Immediately after scoring, he knocked over two Swiss players in celebration. Helenius was subsequently awarded man of the match.
Personal life Helenius has a brother Kalle. He is two years older and the two of them played hockey together as well as soccer, badminton, and tennis.
Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2022–23 Tappara U20 SM-sarja 19 8 20 28 10 — — — — — 2022–23 Jukurit Liiga 33 3 8 11 8 — — — — — 2023–24 Jukurit Liiga 51 14 22 36 10 6 2 4 6 4 2024–25 Rochester Americans AHL 65 14 21 35 28 8 3 3 6 4 2025–26 Rochester Americans AHL 63 21 42 63 22 3 2 1 3 0 2025–26 Buffalo Sabres NHL 9 1 3 4 0 4 2 0 2 0Liiga totals 84 17 30 47 18 6 2 4 6 4NHL totals 9 1 3 4 0 4 2 0 2 0
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2022 Finland U17 7 2 9 11 4 2023 Finland U18 5th 5 2 4 6 0 2024 Finland WJC 4th 7 1 1 2 2 2024 Finland U18 5th 5 0 7 7 0 2024 Finland WC 8th 4 0 1 1 2 2025 Finland WJC 7 0 6 6 0 2026 Finland WC 6 3 3 6 4Junior totals 31 5 27 32 6Senior totals 10 3 4 7 6
References
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