Helenius is a defense-first forward. The enormous size is an undeniable perk, and his straight-line top gear in open ice is alright. There’s enthusiasm and competitiveness to his game as well. He can be menacing when he comes bearing down on opposing defenders on the forecheck with some momentum behind him. He also gets marks for being a center who can kill penalties. Understands the importance of back-checking and will hustle to his defensive zone. He knows when to drop down and support the defenders, jumping into the corners and using his long reach to pull the puck out of scrums, get in passing lanes, and poke check pucks away. He’s able to pin opponents and rub them out along the boards, but in open ice and when trying to hit there is still very much a learning curve. The rest of his game is a big work in progress. He’s a very awkward, unbalanced player who has trouble staying on his feet and even more trouble handling the puck. It always seems to be an adventure when the puck ends up on his stick. It’s also not pretty when the puck leaves his stick either, as some of his passes are way off target. He’s an easy guy to force into turnovers. Looks uncoordinated using his stick defensively at times, and doesn’t use his enormous reach to his advantage enough, often trying to play the body when he should be playing the puck. Players need to have sharp coordination between their feet and their hands, and Helenius lacks that. He understands simple assignments, but looks a little lost when the play gets more complicated around him. Needs to keep his head up more, as he stares down at the puck and loses sight of the play. The best-case scenario for him is that he’s still adjusting to his last growth spurt, as his mobility and puck control need a ton of work and could keep him out of the NHL if they aren’t improved.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide