My updates to the 2026 top 10 prospects in the Sabres’ prospect pool are complete, the link to which can be found below. With his regular season and playoff performances at both the NHL & AHL levels a season ago, it is obvious that #1 forward prospect Konsta Helenius (14th overall in 2024) is ready to stay in Buffalo on a full-time basis. He will be joined on the back-end by #2 prospect Radim Mrtka (9th overall in 2025) and #3 prospect Daxon Rudolph (4th overall in 2026) sooner rather than later.
Helenius was a point-per-game player for the AHL’s Rochester Americans in 2025-26, and did nothing to disappoint during his time in Buffalo. Not only did Helenius register 4 points (1G 3A) in 9 regular-season games with the Sabres, he also scored high-pressure goals in Games 5 & 6 against Montreal, helping the Sabres push the Canadians to a 7-game second-round series. With his poise, scoring touch, and incredibly high hockey IQ, look for his continued production in clutch moments which he himself creates, along with an impressive forward core featuring Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, and Zach Benson.
Not only is Helenius becoming part of a strong forward group, an excellent D-corps led by 2025-26 Norris Trophy finalist Rasmus Dahlin and former first overall pick Owen Power also is in place. Mrtka and Rudolph will be added to this group of d-men in the near future. For Mrtka, although the massive 6’6″ Czech with excellent two-way skill is projected to start the season in Rochester, his continued speedy development may earn him a call-up to the big club this season. For Rudolph, he is committed to playing for defending national champion University of Denver this season, where he will join fellow 2026 first-rounder (21st overall to SJS) and WHL alum Ryan Lin on the back-end. Rudolph is projected to spend two seasons in Denver. However, should he choose to turn pro at the conclusion of the upcoming college hockey season, we may see him in Buffalo this spring.