Helenius reaches senior status in second year with Rochester
April 7, 2026
By Andrew Mossbrooks | @ Mossbrooks48
Konsta Helenius‘ name comes up in the conversation when compared to other great prospects for the Buffalo Sabres. Liked by Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominvilleagain Derek Roy come to mind, all who wore red, white, and blue in Rochester before Helenius was born.
But the Finnish first-round pick in Buffalo’s 2024 NHL Draft class did something none of those players did. In fact, Helenius is having the most successful season in Rochester Americans history.
With help Gavin BayreutherApril 1 goal against Charlotte, Helenius recorded his 55thth point, being the Amerks’ single-season points leader is a young man. He passed Joseph Ciernywho collected 54 points (27+27) in the 1992-93 AHL season.
At the time, gas was about $1.13 a gallon, the average family of four could get a week’s worth of groceries for about $125.00, sitcom. Happiness it was in its last period, and Helenius was 13 years old.
“About you (JJ) Peterka,” he asked Helenius when he was told about this historic event.
Peterka recorded 68 points with Rochester in 2021-22, but turned 20 in January of that season. Konsta stays fresh until May 11.
“He really knew how to coach,” said coach Amerks Michael Leone. “He’s got a natural instinct that you don’t want to get rid of, and I think he’s being rewarded for playing the game the right way.”
After a rookie campaign with 35 points (14+21), Helenus was challenged to improve his play away from the puck. Those changes led to him getting more time, as he broke his ceiling from last year’s All-Star season, leading all Americans with 59 points (19+40).
In an effort to clinch the fifth and final playoff spot in the AHL’s North Division, Rochester is relying on the third-youngest player in the league to get them there. Helenius has done his part, entering Wednesday on an eight-game hitting streak, recording four goals and 10 assists since March 22.
“I still think he can reach another level in his game,” said Leone.
“I feel confident,” said Helenus. “I feel like I’m playing my game. It was fun.”
But it wasn’t always pleasant for Helenus, or the Amerks for that matter. This season has seen ups and downs, with the village hitting its lowest point during a nine game winless run from February to March. That drought almost cost Rochester its playoff spot. In their struggle, the leading scorer Isak Rosén was traded. What seemed like a hardship turned into an opportunity for Helenus to take another step in her development.
“I think losing to ‘Rosey’ (Rosén) made me take another step. He was the best scorer. It was a big hole in our line-up, but we had to fill it.”
And Helenus did just that. His poor play saw him replace Rosén on the power play, providing a one-time or open ice option to fall into. Anton Wahlberg shooting from the right. Helenius has greatly improved his five-on-five game, and is an avid shooter no matter the situation, ranking third among the Amerks with 137 shots on goal.
Individual accolades are the result of team success, Helenus said.
“I think it’s the chemistry of the team. It’s been nice to have consistency. I’ve been playing with ‘Wahlly’ (Wahlberg) for almost a year. Matteo (Constantine) is a good player who works hard and does dirty work. We keep getting chances and we score.”
The more points you get, the more you win. After falling all month, the Amerks seem to be heating up at the right time. By the end of this week, they can clinch a playoff spot for the fifth year in a row. They will do this with fewer veterans than before, fewer opportunities than before, and smaller bodies than before as the team continues to be plagued by injuries.
The team’s top line features a player who was projected to be in the ECHL this season and two second-year players who compete against top-tier opposition on a nightly basis.
The Americans will go all the way with their talent this year. With Helenius leading the way, the sky is the limit.
