Former Sabres GMs Ingenuity Shines in Switzerland

Monday, June 01, 2026

 



The Finnish team won a Gold Medal at the 2026 World Championships in Switzerland, led by a rejuvenated Sasha Barkov. 

Barkov took the spotlight from a team that was filled with depth, which hasn't matured, but is sure to make an impact in the future for their NHL squads. 

Ville Heinola is one notable player who scored six points (three goals, three assists) in ten games for Finland. He's an unrestricted free agent who wasn't offered a contract by the team that drafted him. 

Now classified as group-6. 

Heinola is just one player who punched above their weight in the IIHF World Championships, as Konsta Helenius deserves the spotlight for his effort in helping Finland win in 2026. 

This season, he played 13-games (four of those in the postseason) with the Buffalo Sabres.

In nine regular-season games, he scored four points (one goal, three assists), and in four playoff games, two points (two goals).

In the IIHF World Championships, he added six points (three goals, three assists) and two game-winning goals in six games played for Finland.

Helenius was selected 14th overall in 2024, and before the Sabres selected him, this is a sign that the Sabres have a forward who is primed for growth in the NHL and could grow into a top-six option in the future, per Dobber Prospects:

On the ice, Helenius is a versatile forward who excels in both ends of the rink. His vision and playmaking are developing, but his ability to get to the right spots and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a consistent offensive contributor.

From a fantasy perspective, he’s a must-pickup in dynasty leagues right now, as he could be called up at any time if someone in Buffalo goes down and should be pushing for a full-time NHL spot next season. Kenny Kaminsky

Not to mention, his golden goal will live in the annals of Finnish hockey history, delivering a well-earned championship to an underdog team. 

His career totals in the AHL: 128 games, 35 goals, 62 assists for 97 points.


GM Kevyn Adams may have left the Sabres after being fired, but his draft choices and trades made to select players like Helenius were solid. The Sabres moved down in the draft by acquiring the pick that originally belonged to the Pittsburgh Penguins by trading them the San Jose Sharks' 11th overall pick in 2024. 

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired a first-round pick (14th overall, originally belonging to Pittsburgh) and a second-round pick (42nd overall, originally belonging to New Jersey) in the 2024 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a first-round pick (11th overall).

Adams may have left a treasure trove of talent for GM Jarmo Kekaleinen to build a future contender if he plays his cards right.  

 David Kirouac-Imagn Images



 
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