Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius will not represent Team Finland at the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which begin next week in Minnesota.
New Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed the decision to Nico Oksanen of Finnish outlet KiekkoUutiset on Friday.
Kekalainen said the organization felt the 19-year-old center's development would benefit more from remaining with the AHL's Rochester Americans rather than making a third appearance in the high-profile World Juniors tournament.
Helenius has recorded 24 points (nine goals and 15 assists) in 26 games for the Amerks this season.
Konsta Helenius could make an NHL impact for the Buffalo Sabres before the end of the 2025-26 season
Kekalainen told Oksanen the Sabres feel Helenius, the 14th overall pick in the 2024 draft, is getting "close" to becoming a full-time NHL player.