The Hockey News' main site revealed players 11 to 20 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/top-nhl-prospects-in-future-watch-2026-11-to-20] for their latest top 100 NHL-affiliated prospect rankings. Two Buffalo Sabres prospects made this latest batch: forward Konsta Helenius and defenseman Radim Mrtka. Helenius was given the No. 12 spot by THN, and it makes sense when noting that he has a ton of potential. The 19-year-old forward has taken a nice step forward with his play this season in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In 51 games this campaign with the AHL squad, he has recorded 18 goals, 32 assists, and 50 points. Helenius also played in his first nine career NHL games earlier this season, where he had one goal and four points. With this, the 2024 first-round pick has already shown promise at the NHL level. As for Mrtka, he was given the No. 15 spot by THN. The 18-year-old defenseman played in 43 regular season games this season in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he had one goal and 34 points. He also played in four games earlier this season with the Amerks, posting one assist and seven points. Mrtka is a prospect with a lot of potential and should be an impactful defenseman at the NHL level later down the road.
