Konsta Helenius Finland’s Next NHL Star:
The 2024 NHL Draft is heating up, and one name rising rapidly on prospect lists is 18-year-old Finnish center Konsta Helenius. After a phenomenal season in Finland’s top professional league, the Liiga, Helenius has NHL scouts buzzing with his potential.
A Season for the Record Books
Helenius turned heads throughout the 2023-24 Liiga season playing for Jukurit Mikkeli. He finished fourth all-time in points scored by an under-18 player in the league’s history, amassing 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 51 games. This impressive performance placed him right behind legends like Aleksander Barkov (current Florida Panthers center) and Mikael Granlund (current San Jose Sharks center).
Helenius’ impact wasn’t limited to the regular season. He continued his strong showing in the Liiga playoffs, contributing six points (two goals, four assists) in six games. He even capped off his season with an impressive assist in four games played for Finland at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.
A Historic Feat: Three Tournaments in One Season
Adding to his remarkable season, Helenius became the fifth player ever to participate in all three major international tournaments for his age group in a single season. He played in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship (where he led Finland with seven assists), and the aforementioned World Championship. This accomplishment puts him in elite company alongside names like Jack Hughes (current New Jersey Devils center) and Kevin Fiala (current Los Angeles Kings forward).
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Confidence Soaring, Eyes on the Prize
With his impressive season and historic feat under his belt, Helenius’ confidence is soaring. At the NHL Scouting Combine, he expressed his belief in his NHL readiness: “I played against NHL guys, [and] I think I did a great job against them,” Helenius said. “I think I’m very close to the NHL.”
What Makes Helenius a Top Prospect?
Scouts rave about Helenius’ well-rounded skillset. He possesses excellent hockey IQ, strong playmaking abilities, and a knack for finding open ice. His skating is smooth and efficient, allowing him to navigate the ice with agility. While not known for brute force, Helenius uses his size and positioning effectively to win battles along the boards.
The Next Step: The 2024 NHL Draft
With the NHL Draft approaching, Helenius is projected as a potential top-10 pick. Several teams are likely to be vying for his talents, eager to add a young, talented center to their core. Whether he lands at the top or a little lower, there’s no doubt that Helenius is a name to watch in the coming years.
A Bright Future for Finnish Hockey?
Helenius’ emergence is a positive sign for Finnish hockey. Following in the footsteps of established stars like Aleksander Barkov and Sebastian Aho, he represents the next generation of talent ready to make its mark on the NHL.
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