Sabres’ Konsta Helenius won’t be loaned out to Finland’s World Junior team
One of the top young stars coming out of Finland isn’t being allowed to represent his country at one of hockey’s biggest tournaments.
According to a report from Kiekk Uutiset in Finland, Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen confirmed the team won’t loan forward Konsta Helenius to Team Finland for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
BREAKING - Konsta Helenius ei lähde Minnesotaan #U20fi MM-kisoihin. #Leijonat #NHLfi kiekkouutiset.fi/nhl/jarmo-keka…
Helenius is currently playing for the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans. That was the same story last season, when the Sabres allowed the Ylöjärvi native to play at the World Juniors. He posted six assists, helping Suomi to advance to the gold medal game, ultimately losing to the United States in a thrilling overtime contest. Helenius was named one of Finland’s top three players in the tournament.
Per the story, Kekäläinen believes Helenius’ role in the AHL is important.
The way Helenius, who was taken by Buffalo 14th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, has been progressing over the past couple of years, he’s on his way toward joining the Sabres rather than later. However, for Finland, the absence of the 19-year-old will leave a sizeable hole to fill for a team that’s a favorite to take home a medal in the Twin Cities.
In 26 games this season with Rochester, Helenius has scored nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points, leading the Americans and currently sits tied for 12th in overall scoring in the AHL. It comes after a solid rookie season in 2024-25, during which he notched 35 points in 65 games and was named to the AHL Top Prospects Team.
Had Helenius been allowed to play for the Finns, it would’ve marked his third appearance at the WJC. He’s also played for his country twice at the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, making his senior national team debut during the 2023-24 campaign, appearing at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Helenius helped Finland take home the bronze at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
Finland opens up the 2026 WJC on Boxing Day in Minneapolis against Denmark.