The Buffalo Sabres have recalled center prospect Anton Wahlberg from their AHL affiliate in Rochester, preparing him for his NHL debut tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils. This move comes as key forwards Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway are sidelined with injuries, creating an opportunity for Wahlberg to step into the lineup. The Sabres are expected to make a roster adjustment before the game, although the two available roster spots are anticipated to be used by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Joshua Norris as they return from injured reserve.
Background and Performance in Rochester and Sweden
Wahlberg, 20 years old, was chosen 39th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, a second-round pick Buffalo obtained from Philadelphia in the Rasmus Ristolainen trade. After being drafted, he quickly became an important top-nine forward in Sweden’s SHL, demonstrating his potential before joining the Rochester Americans in 2024. Since arriving in Rochester that March, Wahlberg has participated in 119 games, scoring 18 goals and providing 41 assists for a total of 59 points, with a plus-16 plus/minus rating and only 24 penalty minutes.
This season, Wahlberg has appeared in 47 games with Rochester, ranking sixth in team scoring with six goals and 25 points. Rather than standing out as a dominant offensive player, he has been deployed as a reliable two-way center, excelling defensively with the best plus/minus rating on the team at +12. His size—standing 6’4″ and weighing 205 pounds—has made him a valuable presence in both ends of the ice.
Prospect Rankings and Expectations for Wahlberg’s NHL Impact
Heading into the 2025-26 season, Wahlberg remained highly regarded within the Sabres organization and among hockey insiders. Notable rankings placed him as a top-10 prospect: NHL.com ranked him fifth, Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff had him sixth, and Elite Prospects listed him tenth. NHL.com noted,
“What the Sabres organization wants to see is more production in the dirty areas around the crease,”
reflecting the expectation that Wahlberg utilize his physical attributes more near the net.
Temporary NHL Opportunity and Future Outlook
Wahlberg’s NHL stay may be brief, as returning players Greenway and Benson could reclaim their spots within days. Still, this call-up is an important milestone for Wahlberg, offering a tangible reward for his steady development and presenting the Sabres a chance to gauge his readiness at the NHL level. Though he is projected to take another season or two before making a consistent impact for Buffalo, this experience will be crucial for his ongoing growth within the NHL pipeline.
Per AHL transactions, the Anaheim Ducks have recalled Tim Washe and Ian Moore from the San Diego Gulls #FlyTogether
— Patrick Present (@PatrickCPresent) February 24, 2026
