How Buffalo Sabres prospects like Konsta Helenius are progressing in the AHL with Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres may be down in the NHL standings again, but at least their minor affiliate is surging. The Rochester Americans sit atop the North Division, posting one of the best goal differentials in the league and featuring some of the best young players in the league, many of whom have elevated their play in the second half.

Isak Rosén is finding an extra gear offensively, leading the team in points and battling for the top position on the league’s leaderboard. Noah Östlund is also making his mark on the scoresheet much more frequently. And Nikita Novikov is developing a style of play that could earn him an NHL role.

Here’s a review of the play and projection of several Rochester Americans.

Konsta Helenius, C

It’s hard to set expectations for 18-year-olds in the AHL, especially a player