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

Konsta Helenius to force Sabres decision after 'Black Aces' roster moves originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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.