Konsta Helenius to force Sabres decision after 'Black Aces' roster moves

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The Buffalo Sabres have made their 'Black Aces' roster moves -- a term that has existed for more than a half-century that denotes the players called up to NHL playoff rosters when the AHL seasons end for minor league affiliates.

Most of these guys only join the big league club to practice. But for the Sabres, there's one potential exception: Konsta Helenius.

Nothing has been determined, at least publicly, but Helenius is the one guy in the group of call-ups who fans will want to be inserted into the postseason lineup.

It's clearly big stakes -- the Sabres play Game 6 of their series against the Boston Bruins on Friday, leading the series 3-2 and trying to close things out on the road before what would be a potential Game 7 in Buffalo.

Could Helenius help? Maybe. But such a move wouldn't come without risk.

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The 19-year old Helenius has played 63 games this season with the AHL Rochester Americans and just nine with the Sabres.

He had 21 goals and 41 assists (62 points) in his 63 AHL games.

With the Sabres, Helenius had four points in nine games -- a goal and three assists.

If Lindy Ruff was considering putting Helenius into the lineup, he'd have to consider whether the youngster is ready for the speed and intensity of NHL playoff hockey.

Helenius and the Amerks just concluded a brief playoff run that saw them lose a three-game series to the Toronto Marlies in a decisive third game on the road.

The Sabres also have a forward injury question mark, with Noah Ostlund having left Game 5 and not returned, so maybe that'd be a lineup opening -- although Josh Norris is due to come back from his own injury.

For what it's worth, this is how the Sabres lined up at Thursday's practice:

There are obviously layers here, but Helenius is in the picture now. He might deserve a chance, but it'll be a tough call for the Sabres either way.

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