Which Young Sabres Forward Will Have the Biggest Impact in 2026-27?

The Buffalo Sabres, coming off their first division crown in nearly two decades, are facing unfamiliarly high expectations entering the 2026-27 season. A few guys, in particular, will be facing pressure to be at their best and help the Sabres contend once again.

One of the keys will be the development and performance of three young forwards: Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius. With the season rapidly approaching, it is important for the Sabres to find the right spots for each of them. With that said, which of the trio will have the biggest immediate impact and help the Sabres in 2026-27?

Jiri Kulich

Of the three, Kulich has a head start. After all, he played in 62 games during the 2024-25 season and was the team’s top center for 12 games last season. Unfortunately, a blood clot ended his season. Thankfully, he has made a full recovery and will return to action in the coming season.

From what we have seen of Kulich so far, he has the potential to be a legitimate top-six center. He has great one-on-one ability, a lethal shot, and the kind of speed that routinely challenges defenders. His starting last season as the top center shows the kind of faith the organization and head coach Lindy Ruff have in him.

The problem with being out as long as Kulich was is finding a groove again (just ask Jack Quinn). Even if he does wind up centering the top line immediately, it may take some time for him to find a groove. Even still, his baseline should see him challenge for his first 20-goal season.

Noah Ostlund

With Kulich out, Ostlund stepped in and played 60 games during the regular season, notching 27 points along the way. He missed time with injuries during the regular season, returning for the first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins. He was clearly impactful before bowing out with another injury.

Ostlund’s effectiveness is clear. He will go anywhere on the ice to get the puck, is a strong playmaker, and elevates his teammates. The biggest knock against him at every level is his durability. We’ve already seen the downside of that.

Ostlund should begin the season somewhere in the top six. The idea of him playing with Zach Benson and Josh Doan, all three puck hounds with underrated offensive instincts, could be tantalizing. With the right linemates, Ostlund could pile up assists and threaten the 50-point plateau.

Konsta Helenius

Helenius has been a standout with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) the past two seasons, earning accolades as he put up a point per game over 63 games during the 2025-26 season.

His NHL sample size is small, nine regular season games and four playoff games, but what he’s shown has no doubt been impressive. He has shown his penchant for the clutch by scoring a pair of big goals against the Montreal Canadiens and scored the gold-medal-winning goal for Finland at the World Championships.

Helenius has that “it” factor to him and has from the start. He has a knack for being in the right spot, his vision may be the best of the bunch, and he simply produces no matter what the setting. His place in the lineup will be key but he should conservatively wind up in the 30-40-point range with around 15-20 goals.

Who Will Have the Biggest Impact?

The Sabres are banking on a lot from their three young centers. All three have flashed impressive poise and talent, giving general manager Jarmo Kekalainen at least moderate reassurance that this risk will pay off.

Placement in the lineup will be a determining factor for each of these young players, and Ostlund appears to have an advantage overall. Should he get time with Tage Thompson or even Quinn, Ostlund could challenge for one of the top marks on the team in terms of assists. Seeing power play time would no doubt push him over the top, allowing him to threaten the 50-point range or higher.

It is important to keep in mind that the 2026-27 season will be just the beginning. All three of these players have tremendous futures ahead of them and should remain fixtures with the Sabres for the foreseeable future.