Meet the Future of Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects to Watch

Meet the Future of Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects to Watch

Meet the future of Buffalo Sabres. Top five prospects to watch. The Buffalo Sabres are building something special, and their top prospects might just be the key to turning potential into success. While the NHL team continues to rebuild, a new wave of talent is emerging from the AHL and international leagues, ready to make their mark. But here’s where it gets controversial. Are these young players truly ready for prime time or is the organization rushing development for short-term gains? Let’s dive into the top five prospects who could define Buffalo’s future. One, Cona Helenius, forward. How acquired, first round pick, 14th overall in the 2024 NHL draft 202425 season. 65 games, 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points in the AHL with Rochester. At just 19 years old, Constah Helenius was the youngest player in the AHL last season, and he made headlines by earning a spot on the league’s top prospects team. Originally from Finland, Helenius transitioned from center to wing during his rookie North American season and showed consistent improvement as the campaign wore on. In the Colder Cup playoffs, he contributed six points, three goals, three assists in eight games, catching the attention of Sabre’s management with his hockey IQ and physicality. Rochester coach Michael Leon praised Helenius for rising to the occasion. He was incredible. The bigger the moment, the better he played. Despite his youth, Helenius plays with a maturity beyond his years. His skating vision and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate for an NHL debut in the 202627 season. However, some scouts wonder if he’s being pushed too fast, especially given his age and the physical demands of North American hockey. Projected NHL arrival 2026 272. Madame Mertzka, defenseman. How acquired? First round pick, ninth overall in the 2025 NHL draft. 202425 season, 43 games, three goals, 32 assists, 35 points in the WHL with Seattle. Standing at 6’6 with a massive wingspan, Radam Mertka is the kind of towering defenseman every team dreams of acquiring. Originally from Czecha, Mertka joined the Western Hockey League in November and adapted remarkably well, not just to the game, but to the language and culture as well. Buffalo GM Kevin Adams called him a package that’s pretty rare, highlighting his two-way play, puck handling skills, and mobility. Despite his size, 218 lb, Mertka moves fluidly and contributes offensively, averaging 0.81 81 points per game, third among WHL rookie defenseman. While his defensive positioning and gap control are still developing, Mertka’s upside is undeniable. He’s a long-term project with elite potential, but patience will be key. Some analysts question whether his offensive numbers will translate to the NHL, especially in a more physical and structured league. Projected NHL arrival 2027-28 three Noah Osland forward. How acquired? First round pick, 16th overall in the 2022 NHL draft. 20242 season, 45 AHL games, 19 goals, 17 assists, eight NHL games, zero goals, zero assists. Noah Oland, a 21-year-old center, got his first taste of NHL action last season, appearing in eight games with Buffalo. While he didn’t score, he looked comfortable on the fourth line and showed flashes of his elite playmaking ability and skating prowess. At 5’11 and 175 lb, Osland isn’t the most physically imposing player, but his hockey IQ and creativity on the ice more than make up for it. Rochester coach Michael Leyon described him as a special player who elevates those around him. Oseland’s main area for improvement is adding muscle to his frame. Another full season in the AHL seems likely before he earns a permanent NHL roster spot. Still, his offensive instincts and two-way awareness suggest he’s close to being NHL ready. Projected NHL arrival 2026 to 2027. Four. Isac Rosen forward. How acquired? first round pick 14th overall in the 2021 NHL draft. 2024 to 25 season, 61 AHL games, 28 goals, 27 assists, eight NHL games, zero goals, one assist. Isak Rosen is arguably the most NHL ready prospect on this list. The 22-year-old forward was recalled five times last season, a clear sign that the Sabres see him as close to earning a full-time role. He led Rochester in goals and total points, and his speed and stick work make him a constant threat. Though not the biggest player at 6′ and 180 lb, Rosen’s raw skill and scoring touch earned him a spot in the 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge. He may not dominate with physicality, but his quickness and hockey sense allow him to consistently find the back of the net. The big question is whether Rosen can maintain his scoring pace at the NHL level. His lack of size to be an issue in the tougher battles along the boards and in front of the net. Projected NHL arrival this season. Five. Anton Wahberg, forward. How acquired? Third round pick, 39th overall in the 2023 NHL draft. 2024-25 season, 63 AHL games, 11 goals, 19 assists. International, eight points in seven games at 2025 World Juniors. Anton Wahberg brings a different style to the Sabres prospect pool. At 6’5 and nearly 200 lb, he’s a physical presence who isn’t afraid to go to the tough areas of the ice. During his rookie AHL season, he impressed with his hustle and muscle, and his performance at the 2025 World Junior Championship, where he tied the third in scoring among Swedish players showed his offensive upside. However, Wahberg’s playoff performance with Rochester raised some concerns. He recorded no points in six games and finished with a minus4 rating, highlighting his struggles in high pressure situations. As coach Leone pointed out, Wahberg needs to improve his net front presence and goal scoring in tight areas. Still, his size, two-way play, and work ethic make him an intriguing long-term option. The Sabres are betting that his offensive game will continue to evolve as he gains experience. Projected NHL arrival 2026 27. What does this mean for the Buffalo Sabres? These five prospects represent a blend of speed, skill, size, and hawk. And which of these five has the best shot at becoming a franchise cornerstone? Let us know in the comments below. Top Buffalo Sabres prospects from the WHL, Tyson Kak, Radim Mertka, and more. In the world of hockey prospects, the story of the Buffalo Sabers is filled with intriguing figures and surprising developments. But here’s where it gets even more compelling. As we explore the promising talent coming through the WHL pipeline ahead of the 202526 NHL season, certain standout players and their journeys reveal just how unpredictable and fascinating the path to the NHL can be. This series aims to shine a spotlight on both current and former WHL players who are signed to NHL contracts recently drafted by teams or meet the league’s criteria for rookies, offering a comprehensive look at their progress and potential. Let’s kick things off today with the Sabres and their top selection from the 2025 NHL draft. Tyson Kak. Tyson Kak has a story worth telling. At 22 years old, he made his debut in the NHL on December 5th, 2024 in a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Although a goal he scored was called back, Kak showcased some of his skills by recording a shot on goal, delivering two hits, and winning five of his faceoffs in his very first appearance. During the 2024-25 season, Kak was called up to the NHL five times, tallying three goals and two assists across 21 games. He also split time with the Rochester Americans in the AHL, where he scored 14 points with eight goals and six assists over 31 regular season appearances. His solid performance led Buffalo to resign him on a three-year contract as of July 1st, 2025. Hailing from Sorus, Manitoba, Kak’s journey has defied the odds. Drafted in the sixth round 2018 by Portland Winterhawks, a wellrespected team in the US Division, he ultimately became their captain. His impressive career with the Winter Hawks includes 48 goals, 61 assists, and a total of 109 points in 152 games with a notable 32 goal season in his final year of eligibility. Buffalo selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL draft. His rise highlights how late round picks can develop into chi contributors, challenging the notion that only high draft picks can make it big. In a social media highlight, Kak’s first goal in front of friends and family in Winnipeg was celebrated, capturing the excitement and pride surrounding his burgeoning career. Moving on, Riley Fiddler Schultz exemplifies resilience and the idea that the journey to the NHL can extend beyond the draft. After earning the WHL Humanitarian of the Year award, he reached an important milestone by signing his first NHL contract as a free agent in July 2025. Fiddler Schultz signed an AHL deal with the Rochester Americans following his time with the Calgary Hitmen. During his second professional season, he notched 13 goals and 13 assists for a total of 26 points in 51 games, along with a commendable three points in eight playoff contests. Now 23, he inked a 2-year envy level deal early in July. Hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Fiddler Schultz left a distinguished mark in the WHL with five seasons at the Hitman, serving as captain and community leader. Over his WHL career, F amassed 189 points, 77 goals, 112 assists across 246 games. His leadership and community commitment earned him prestigious awards, including first and second all-star team selections and the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, the humanitarian service. A testament to his character as much as his skills. Buffalo’s organizational moves also included signing defenseman Zack Jones, one year, and Zack Mets, two years, along with forward Carson Meer, two years, all to two-way contracts, offering flexibility between the NHL and AHL. Additionally, Fidler Schultz’s 2-year entry-level contract underscores the team’s interest in nurturing his talent. In the international scene, Norwin Pinocha from Bayroy, Germany, shows promise. The 6’2″, 192 lb defenseman had a brief appearance with Prince Albert in the 2024 25 season before splitting time in the USL and with Eisbar in Berlin in the DEL where he contributed five assists in 34 games. His experience includes playing in Berlin’s playoff winning DEL team, helping them secure a second consecutive championship, proof that his development isn’t confined to North American hockey. Radamea stands out as one of the top prospects from the 2025 draft. Selected ninth overall, the Czech defender signed a three-year entry-level contract after an impressive debut season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, posting 35 points in 43 games with significant contributions on special teams. His international experience includes representing the Czech Republic at the 2025 IIHF U8 World Championship and the 2024 Helinka Gretzky Cup where he helped his team secure a silver medal. At 6’6 and over 200 lb, Mertica’s size and skill set give him a raw but exciting potential to develop into a formidable bliner. Finally, Scott Ratzlaf, Seattle’s alternate captain, adds to the Sabres pipeline. The 20-year-old goalender enjoyed a consistent run with 320 plus win seasons, culminating in a second straight playoff appearance. His statistics include a 3.16 GAA 910 save percentage and a notable shutout performance. Ratzlaf was a finalist for the WHL’s premier goalender award, named to the Western Conference first all-star team and signed a three-year deal with Buffalo after being drafted in 2023. And this is the part most people miss. Developing NHL ready talent from the WHL is a complex dance of timing, choice, and perseverance. Do you believe these prospects will break the mold and truly make it big? or are we overestimating the leap from junior and minor leagues to the NHL elite? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. The future is wide open and these stories are just beginning to unfold. Buffalo Sabres farm system criticized in 2025 NHL prospect pool rankings. 14 years of failure and this is why Buffalo Sabres fans should be furious. The team’s historic playoff drought isn’t just bad luck. It’s a glaring indictment of their inability to nurture young talent. In Bleacher Reports 2025 NHL prospect rankings, the Sathers landed at a middling 18th place with analyst Hannah Stewart delivering a brutal truth bomb. Buffalo’s development system is broken and their future hinges on two players most fans haven’t even seen yet. He is the kicker if not the defensive prospect Radim Amertka their 2025 ninth overall pick and finish forward Cona Helenius the sabers with rank among the league’s worst they’re just not a good development environment Stuart bluntly states highlighting a pattern of wasted potential but here’s where it gets controversial Buffalo’s front office keeps doubling down on the same flawed strategy Since 2020, 29 of their non-top 50 draft picks have yielded just one NHL player. A statistic that should alarm even the most loyal fans. Let’s be honest, drafting high-profile players like Rasmus Darene or Owen Power isn’t rocket science. Any team picking in the top five annually should strike gold occasionally. The real problem, Buffalo’s track record with later round picks is a graveyard of missed opportunities. Take Tyson Kak. The lone success story among 29 post2020 selections outside the top 50. Even recent NHL call-ups like Jack Quinn and Dylan Kosens, now in Ottawa, have plateaued, failing to become the franchise cornerstones they were projected to be. And this is the part most people miss. Development isn’t just about drafting. It’s about creating an ecosystem where talent thrives. When Stuart warns, “I’m not convinced the Sabres can give Mertka the development he needs.” It’s a direct challenge to the organization’s entire player development philosophy. In a league where 16 teams make the playoffs yearly, 14 consecutive misses can’t be blamed on bad bounces. It’s systemic failure. Now, the milliondoll question, why should 202526 be any different? The Savers quiet off season means they’re betting everything on internal growth, hoping Yuri Kulich becomes a sniper. Zack Benson morphs into a superstar, and Quinn rediscovers his rookie magic. But here’s the uncomfortable truth. This wait and see approach has already failed for a decade. If these prospects don’t deliver immediately, calls the GM Kevin Adams job and a total organizational overhaul will become impossible to ignore. So, we ask you, is Buffalo’s drought a leadership failure or a development crisis? Can a team really draft its way out of a 14-year hole without fixing its culture? Sound off below. The hockey world is listening.

00:00 – Meet the Future of Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects to Watch
08:01 – Top Buffalo Sabres Prospects from the WHL: Tyson Kozak, Radim Mrtka, and More!
14:52 – Buffalo Sabres Farm System Criticized in 2025 NHL Prospect Pool Rankings

1. Meet the Future of Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects to Watch

Get to know the top prospects for the Buffalo Sabres, including Konsta Helenius, Radim Mrtka, and more. In this video, we’ll break down each player’s skills, strengths, and projected NHL arrival dates.

2. Top Buffalo Sabres Prospects from the WHL: Tyson Kozak, Radim Mrtka, and More!

Ahead of the 2025-26 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for the Buffalo Sabres. In this video, we’ll introduce you to the top WHLers who are making waves in the NHL, including Tyson Kozak, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Norwin Panocha, Radim Mrtka, and Scott Ratzlaff. Get to know these rising stars and their impressive stats!

3. Buffalo Sabres Farm System Criticized in 2025 NHL Prospect Pool Rankings

The Buffalo Sabres have been ranked 18th in the latest NHL prospect pool rankings by Bleacher Report’s Hannah Stuart. The team’s farm system has been criticized for its lack of depth and inability to develop young players into key NHL pieces. Key prospects like Radim Mrtka and Konsta Helenius are highlighted, but concerns remain about the team’s development environment. The Sabres’ playoff drought and struggles in player development are discussed in detail.