Game Preview | Sabres open 2024 Prospects Challenge against Blue Jackets

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and coach Lindy Ruff led an organizational meeting ahead of the 2024 Prospects Challenge, outlining the expectations and identity they want players across the organization to compete with.

Rochester Americans coach Michael Leone, who joined the organization in June after Seth Appert was promoted to Sabres assistant coach, met with Sabres prospects on Wednesday to clarify those expectations.

The result was two fast-paced, physical workouts at LECOM Harborcenter ahead of Buffalo's three-game stretch, which begins Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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The challenge, which also includes talent from Boston, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Ottawa, will feature five of the Sabres' first-round draft picks: Konsta Helenius (2024, 14th overall), Noah Ostlund (2022, 16th overall), Jiri Kulich (2022, 28th overall), Isak Rosen (2021, 14th overall) and Ryan Johnson (2019, 31st overall).

“The talent is obviously there, but I really liked the level of competition from the guys today – the way they stayed on the puck, the effort,” Leone said on the first day of rookie camp. “I thought they all had a really good day. … Definitely a lot of talent on the ice.”