Sabres' Future Stars on the Rise | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 3, 2026 · 1m

Konsta Helenius, the 14th overall pick in 2024, is primed to crack the Sabres’ top nine this season after leading Rochester in scoring and scoring the OT winner for Finland at the World Championship. Meanwhile, 19-year-old defenseman Radim Mrtka—selected ninth in 2025—is set for an AHL stint but projected as a top-four NHL defender with shutdown potential. Daxon Rudolph, the 2026 fourth-rounder heading to Denver University (a two-time NCAA champ), won’t reach the NHL until 2028–29. Also rising: 18-year-old Ilia Morozov (20th pick, 2026) showing steady growth in college, and 20-year-old Brodie…