BUFFALO, N.Y. — After much debate about whether the Sabres should trade or use their first-round selection, Buffalo used the pick to add a forward Friday night in Las Vegas.
The Sabres selected center Konsta Helenius, an 18-year-old forward from Finland.
Helenius was ranked No. 3 in NHL Central Scouting's final pre-draft rankings of international skaters. The 5-foot-11, 189-pound forward tallied 36 points in 51 games last season for Jukurit in Liiga, the top league in Finland. Helenius led all U18 skaters in Liiga in points over the last two seasons.
"Unbelievable feelings," Helenius said of his emotions after being drafted. "Drafted in front of my family and in Las Vegas, it's so good."
He also posted two points in seven games this year representing his country at the IIHF World Junior Championships, and one assist in four games at the IIHF World Championships.
"As a player, I'm a smart center," Helenius described himself. "I'm a good skater and I have a good shot also."
As for where Helenius will play next season, that's still up in the air.
"I don't know where I'm going to play yet, because everything is open," Helenius said.
Buffalo previously owned the No. 11 pick in the first round but traded down with San Jose, receiving in return the 14th overall pick used on Helenius, and a second-round pick as well (42nd overall).
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