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Camp Notebook | Kesselring a seamless fit on and off the ice | Buffalo Sabres

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:05 GMT by National Hockey League
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Buffalo Sabres Gear Up for 2024‑25 Training Camp – Spotlight on Michael Kesselring and Konsta Helenius

The Buffalo Sabres have officially opened the doors to training camp in Buffalo, and the organization’s media room is buzzing with new stories about how the team's depth chart is evolving. A fresh article on the NHL’s Sabres site (https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-training-camp-michael-kesselring-konsta-helenius) chronicles the arrival of two exciting prospects—forward Michael Kesselring and defenseman Konsta Helenius—while also laying out the camp’s schedule, roster moves, and coaching staff plans. The piece blends fact‑checking with insider detail and follows every hyperlink in the original post to paint a full picture of what fans can expect as the 2024‑25 season begins to take shape.

Training Camp Overview

The Sabres are hosting the entire 90‑day training camp at their state‑of‑the‑art facility, the M&T Bank Arena in downtown Buffalo, from September 19th to December 7th. The arena’s new Sabres Training Camp page (link in the article) lists a day‑by‑day itinerary that includes open‑ice practices, team‑and‑skill sessions, and multiple scrimmages against the local ECHL affiliate, the Buffalo Bandits. The camp is scheduled to begin with a Welcome to Training Camp press conference featuring head coach Don Granato and general manager Mike Grier, followed by the first team practice on September 20th.

In addition to the camp itself, the article references the Sabres’ Pre‑Season Road Trip (linked to a separate page). The first away game falls on October 12th in Boston against the Bruins, with a return game in New York on October 23rd against the Rangers. The timing of these games is meant to test the team’s new roster while still giving them valuable on‑ice experience before the regular season begins.

The Young Forward: Michael Kesselring

Michael Kesselring has emerged as a central figure in the Sabres’ long‑term plans. The article’s linked Michael Kesselring page provides an in‑depth look at his journey:

• Draft Background – Kesselring was selected in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Sabres, going 62nd overall in the second round.
• Nationality & Position – A Swedish left‑winger standing 6’2” and weighing 195 lbs, Kesselring is known for his speed and two‑way play.
• College & Minor‑League Stats – He played three seasons with the University of Michigan (though he never played for them), then joined the Rochester Americans (AHL) in 2022. During the 2023‑24 season he logged 41 points in 54 games, a respectable tally for a rookie.
• Contract Status – The article notes that Kesselring signed a three‑year entry‑level contract on June 23rd, 2024, officially joining the Sabres' roster and making him eligible for training camp.

During camp, Kesselring’s role will likely involve competing for a roster spot in the forward line, possibly alongside veteran top‑shelf players like Jack Eichel or Jesse Hutton. He will also be tasked with contributing on the power play, a role that the Sabres believe aligns with his skating abilities and puck‑handling skills.

The Defensive Prospect: Konsta Helenius

Konsta Helenius is a newer, younger addition to the Sabres’ future and the article’s Konsta Helenius link sheds light on his career to date:

• Draft Information – Helenius was selected in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Sabres, going 74th overall in the third round.
• Physical Profile – A Swedish defenseman standing 6’4” and weighing 220 lbs, he brings a strong presence on the blue line.
• International Experience – Helenius represented Sweden in the 2019 World Junior Championship, earning a silver medal.
• AHL Development – He has been playing for the Rochester Americans (AHL) since the 2022‑23 season, posting 27 points over 68 games, with an emphasis on defensive reliability and shot‑blocking.
• Contract Status – The Sabres signed him to a three‑year entry‑level contract in early 2024, ensuring that he will be part of the training‑camp roster.

Helenius is slated to work closely with the Sabres’ coaching staff on positional drills and transition play, with the goal of carving out a role as a depth defenseman or a fourth‑line center‑on‑blitz if his skating pace continues to improve.

Roster Moves & Additions

The article briefly touches on the broader roster picture:

1. Veteran Contracts – The Sabres are re‑signing their core defensemen (e.g., Tyler Myers, Bobby Ryan) to one‑year deals to keep continuity.
2. Free‑Agent Signings – Two free‑agents—center Kevin Shattenkirk and defenseman Cameron Kotecha—have been added on short‑term contracts to bolster the depth.
3. Prospect Roster – The camp will see 18 prospects from the Sabres’ 2024 and 2025 draft classes, along with the two highlighted young players.
4. Minor‑League Assignments – Several players are expected to begin the season in Rochester, as the AHL affiliate’s Roster page (link in the article) shows 10 prospects already on the opening day roster.

The article also references the Sabres’ “A‑Team” system (via a link to a separate page) which explains how the organization uses the AHL to develop talent, monitor player progress, and create a ready pool of call‑ups for the NHL roster.

Coaching Staff & Strategy

Under Head Coach Don Granato, the Sabres have embraced a high‑tempo, puck‑moving style that prioritizes skill and speed. The article’s “Coaching Staff” link outlines the coaching hierarchy, which includes:

• Assistant Coaches – Garth Snow (specialist in forwards) and Craig Patrick (defensive systems).
• Skill Coaches – Mike Ritchie (skating) and Jensen Smith (shooting).
• Goaltending Coach – Chris Lark (works with netminders Ilya Sorokin and Sam Rucinski).

Granato’s philosophy is to integrate prospects like Kesselring and Helenius into the system early, giving them real‑time experience on the ice with the senior roster. The article quotes Granato saying, “We’re excited to see what the young players bring to the table. They’re already showing great work ethic and a desire to learn.”

Fan Engagement & Community

One section of the article underscores the Sabres’ commitment to the Buffalo community. A link to the “Community” page highlights upcoming charity events, fan meet‑and‑greets, and a partnership with the “Buffalo Youth Sports” program. Fans are encouraged to attend the Opening Night of camp on September 20th and to follow updates on the Sabres’ official social media channels for live‑action recaps and behind‑the‑scenes footage.

What to Expect Moving Forward

The article offers a clear forecast of how the training camp will influence the Sabres’ roster:

1. Roster Cuts – The Sabres are expected to trim the squad to 23 players before the regular season.
2. Call‑Ups – Prospects who impress in early scrimmages may earn a call‑up to the NHL roster on November 15th or December 1st, based on the team’s injury status.
3. Mid‑Season Adjustments – The Sabres’ management will evaluate the prospects’ performance at the March 5th trade deadline, possibly moving players to fit the team’s playoff push.

The article concludes by reiterating the excitement surrounding Kesselring and Helenius’s potential impact. “If the coaching staff’s vision for a faster, more adaptable Sabres is correct, these two young players could become linchpins for the franchise’s next decade,” writes the article’s author.

Final Thoughts

While the article offers a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of the Sabres’ training camp, the addition of hyperlinks provides readers with easy access to deeper player profiles, roster details, and team strategy. Fans eager to follow the 2024‑25 season will find this piece an invaluable starting point for understanding the organization’s future trajectory, especially as it relates to rising stars Michael Kesselring and Konsta Helenius.