Draft Q & A – Focusing on Finland

Hello, all! Now that we know the results of the draft lottery, based on the majority of prospect rankings, it seems likely the Jackets draft a Finn in this year’s Draft with Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujärvi both ranking in the top three with Auston Matthews.

I decided to get a hold of two Finnish writers for some information on the big Finns at the top as well as the Jackets two current Finnish prospects. The two writers I sent questions to were Sami Hoffren who is an NHL correspondent for Urheilusanomat and Miika Arponen who is Finnish ice hockey reporter and analyst.

What can you tell CBJ fans about Jesse Puljujärvi and Patrik Laine? Strengths? weaknesses? How NHL ready are they in your opinion?

Arponen–Puljujärvi’s biggest strengths are his tremendous speed and very vision. He is also quite smooth-handed. Biggest weakness probably is that he still makes some junior mistakes from time to time, but after all he is still junior-aged. Very complete player. Laine is maybe a bit less skilled skater, but he has one of the most lethal shots in the whole world and his 1-on-1 skills are phenomenal. He is also a good forechecker and has very high hockey IQ. For complete scouting profiles, you can read my Hockey Prospectus article about these two: http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/prospectus-prospecting-scouting-reports-on-laine-and-puljujarvi/

Hoffren-Laine and Puljujärvi are different kind of players even though everybody in NA thinks they’re the same. Laine is pure sniper with great hands. Lethal wrister and slapshot. Heckuva release. Laine reads the game a bit better than Puljujärvi, who is more of a skilled power forward. Puljujärvi’s skating is off the charts. Strong stride. Laine finds himself in the right spots more often than Puljujärvi, who is like a race horse at times. Both might play in NHL next fall. Both players need to work on their defensive side of the game.

Do you agree that Laine is the better of the two (compared to Puljujärvi)?

Arponen-I do. They are both elite class talents, but while Puljujärvi probably will be just an “ordinary” elite player, Laine has the potential to become one of the best goalscorers in the league.

Hoffren-I’d take Laine before Puljujärvi. Ovechkin-like sniper. You can’t get those kind of players via trade.

Did you think Joonas Korpisalo would make such an impact in his first full North American season?

Arponen-Nope. I knew he was a very good goalie and that he had the potential to be an NHL starter, but such a quick impact was quite big surprise.

Hoffren-Korpisalo was a huge surprise for me this season. He even admitted that this year went better than he expected. Very athletic goalie, good technique. He reminds a lot of Tuukka Rask. Both are tall and lean goalies with great goalie tools. Korpisalo will be the guy in Columbus in the near future.

It’s been rumored Markus Nutivaara could make it over to North America next season, What are his strengths and weaknesses and do you see an adjustment period for him should this happen?

Arponen-It’s pretty much certain that he will play in North America next season. I think he should and will start in the AHL, but it’s not impossible for him to carve out a roster spot straight from the camp. He has exceeded expectations so far in every level he has played, so why not the NHL too. Nutivaara is a good puck-handling D-man with good vision and skating. He is also sound positionally, but not very physical.

Hoffren-Nutivaara has developed in big leaps for the past two seasons. Still a bit raw without the puck, but really good with the puck. Can make plays under pressure and isn’t afraid to join the rushes. Smooth skater. Good offensive minded D prospect for Columbus. Needs time to marinate in AHL and learn NA playing style.

Who are some other Finnish players hockey fans should look out for in the draft?

Arponen-Obviously there are the ones that have been projected to be picked in the first two rounds, Olli Juolevi and Markus Niemeläinen. From the guys I’d expect to get picked in the later rounds, I’m most excited about Henrik Borgström, a big skilled pivot, and Aapeli Räsänen, who is a Patrice Bergeron style two-way center.

Hoffren-Tappara’s Aapeli Räsänen is an interesting prospect. Smart two-way center. He’s been impressive in U18 tournaments with Finland. Comprehensive player who focuses also on small details on the ice.

What kind of an Impact will Veeti Vainio make in KooKoo this season? How is his game maturing, if at all, yet.

Arponen-I think he is capable of taking a top-4 roster spot next season and also earning a full-time power play responsibility. He still has some issues in the own end, but on the other hand he is still one of the best skaters and a good playmaker.

Hoffren-I didn’t saw (sic) Vainio this season at all, so I can’t unfortunately give any update about his game. He has his strengths and weaknesses. Very good skater (Eichel-type of stride) and likes to handle pucks in all areas. Needs to mature as a player.

There you have it folks – I’ll be back soon with an AHL and CHL playoff update along with hopefully more draft Q & A’s similar to what I did before last year’s draft.