The Buffalo Sabres are set to host the annual Prospects Challenge at LECOM Harborcenter from September 11th to 15th, 2025. This event provides a platform for the organization and fans to get a glimpse of the future, as the Sabres' top young talents compete against prospects from the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
This year, the Sabres' 26-man roster boasts a mix of first-round picks and promising players from various junior leagues in North America and Europe. The team will play three games in the round-robin tournament: against New Jersey on September 12th, Columbus on September 13th, and Pittsburgh on September 15th.
Key Players to Watch
Several players on the Sabres' roster are expected to make a significant impact during the Prospects Challenge:
- Konsta Helenius: The 19-year-old center is considered a top prospect. After a strong rookie season with the Rochester Americans, where he was named to the AHL All-Rookie team, the Sabres will be looking for signs of continued improvement. Helenius projects as a dependable middle-six NHL center, with the potential to drive play in the top six if he improves his skating and shooting. He is considered close to NHL-ready and could compete for a Sabres roster spot as early as the second half of the season.
- Radim Mrtka: Drafted ninth overall by the Sabres in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the 6'6" defenseman possesses the size, strength, and skating ability to become a long-term solution on the top defensive pairing alongside Rasmus Dahlin. Mrtka projects as a future top-four NHL defenseman, with the potential to become a shutdown, all-situations anchor and power-play contributor.
- Noah Ostlund: Despite being undersized, the 21-year-old forward is known for his playmaking and agility. He cracked the Sabres' fourth line last season and will be looking to further develop his game. Ostlund projects as a creative middle-six NHL center or winger, capable of driving play at even strength and on the power play.
- Isak Rosen: Rosen is arguably the most poised to get an NHL call-up. He projects as a middle-six NHL winger, capable of producing 40+ points and playing on both the power play and at even strength.
- Topias Leinonen: The 6-foot-5 Finnish netminder had a strong season with Mora IK in Sweden and will be competing for the AHL backup role behind Devon Levi.
Other Prospects to Keep an Eye On
- Matteo Costantini: A 23 year old forward.
- Riley Fiddler-Schultz: A 23 year old forward who plays for Rochester (AHL).
- Tyler Kopff: A 22 year old forward for Rochester.
- Matous Kucharcik: An 18 year old forward for Youngstown (USHL).
- Olivier Nadeau: A 22 year old forward for Rochester.
- Viktor Neuchev: Expected to be healthy after a shoulder injury, Neuchev will be competing in the Prospects Challenge.
- Melvin Novotny: An 18 year old forward who plays for Muskegon (USHL).
- Ryan Rucinski: An 18 year old forward for Youngstown (USHL).
- Redmond Savage: A 22 year old forward for Rochester.
- Ashton Schultz: An 18 year old forward for Chicago (USHL).
- Anton Wahlberg: A 20 year old forward for Rochester.
- David Bedkowski: An 18 year old defenseman for Owen Sound (OHL).
- Isaac Belliveau: A 22 year old defenseman for Rochester.
- Simon-Pier Brunet: A 19 year old defenseman for Victoriaville (QMJHL).
- Luke Dragusica: An 18 year old defenseman for Brampton (OHL).
- Vsevolod Komarov: A 21 year old defenseman for Rochester.
- Noah Laberge: An 18 year old defenseman for Newfoundland (QMJHL).
- Ryerson Leenders: A 19 year old goalie for Brantford (OHL).
Expectations
The Sabres finished with a disappointing 1-2 record in last year's edition of the Prospects Challenge. This year, with the presence of four first-round picks, the team will be looking to improve their performance and gain valuable experience heading into training camp. Management will be closely monitoring Helenius and Mrtka, in particular, for signs of improvement. The coaching staff will also be evaluating how close these young players are to being NHL-ready.
