59th Overall - Samuel Helenius

[LastWordArmy]

Acquired in the off-season from Jokerit, Samuel Helenius was part of JYP in the Finnish SM Liiga, playing against men. He got decent minutes for the team but was often used in a defensive role. Helenius put up seven goals and 14 points in 54 games. He joined Team Finland at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, where he was again used in a checking line role. Helenius scored two goals and two assists for four points in seven tournament games. Helenius helped Finland to a bronze medal.

2021 NHL Draft #59: Samuel Helenius Scouting Report

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[kilowatt]

Wow!

Samuel Helenius, C, JYP-Liiga
Nov. 26, 2002 | 6-foot-6 | 201 pounds

Skating: Poor
Puck Skills: Below-average
Hockey Sense: Below-average
Compete: Above-average

Helenius played all season versus men on a bottom Liiga team and held his own. He also had a good world juniors. He is imposing as a 6-foot-6 center who competes hard. He’s a nuisance around the net with his screens, tips and creating space. He can kill penalties and win battles versus men very well. There is a lack of a “wow” factor in his game with the puck, though. He’s not that fast and doesn’t make many plays. His game comes down to how much you value a player with his size and physicality who has some — but not a ton of — offense. I think there’s enough there to be a useful bottom-six forward in the NHL. In a sentence, Helenius projects to play NHL games but does not have enough skill or speed to stick as a full-time player.

 

[Appleyard]

Scouting Report: Samuel Helenius - Smaht Scouting

In depth report from myself on Helenius. Like ~1000 words or so.

 

[King'sPawn]

LA Kings Select Samuel Helenius No. 59 – What You Need to Know

 

[Reaper45]

He’s got the bloodline.

 

[Guitpik]

If he's anything like his dad, there's our toughness with a true nasty streak. I didn't think he would be available there. Nice pick.

 

[LAKings88]

I like that LA is making moves to get the guys they want.

So far at least I've heard of all their picks.

 

[Reaper45]

If he's anything like his dad, there's our toughness with a true nasty streak. I didn't think he would be available there. Nice pick.

He’s not nearly as mean as his pops. Maybe it’ll develop?

 

[tny760]

that is one large young man

 

[bland]

Now that addresses a real concern.

 

[King'sPawn]

He’s not nearly as mean as his pops. Maybe it’ll develop?

I dunno... an 18 year-old picking up 61 PIMs in 54 games playing against men in Liiga? His dad got 24 PIMs in 13 games at the same age in a U-20 league.

Not that PIMs is an indication of toughness, but the kid's only 18.

 

[Reaper45]

I’m excited about Helenius. Really hope he doesn’t end up like Biron or Jens Karlsson haha.

 

[funky]

Like the pick. Lots of size, some snarl, needs to get his skating to the next level. We took massive skill the first 2 picks, got size in this one

 

[KopitarFAN]

Tough kid, can play the game, all I can ask.

 

[HookKing]

Brian Boyle comp? Let's hope the plan isn't to turn him into that elusive LHD.

 

[Schrute farms]

awesome -- wanted this kid. When he fills out wow. Imagine his size/bulk when he's in his mid 20s. Him plus Byfield -- two huge men roaming the ice for the kings in the future.

 

[AzKing]

Wow!

Samuel Helenius, C, JYP-Liiga
Nov. 26, 2002 | 6-foot-6 | 201 pounds

Skating: Poor
Puck Skills: Below-average
Hockey Sense: Below-average
Compete: Above-average

Helenius played all season versus men on a bottom Liiga team and held his own. He also had a good world juniors. He is imposing as a 6-foot-6 center who competes hard. He’s a nuisance around the net with his screens, tips and creating space. He can kill penalties and win battles versus men very well. There is a lack of a “wow” factor in his game with the puck, though. He’s not that fast and doesn’t make many plays. His game comes down to how much you value a player with his size and physicality who has some — but not a ton of — offense. I think there’s enough there to be a useful bottom-six forward in the NHL. In a sentence, Helenius projects to play NHL games but does not have enough skill or speed to stick as a full-time player.

I like this one better that had him as a Round 1 prospect:

2021 Draft Rankings: Final Top-32 (May)

 

[kilowatt]

But you can easily counter that one report with this one that had him as a Round 1 prospect:

2021 Draft Rankings: Final Top-32 (May)

I actually like Helenius a lot, I've just been posting Pronman's scouting reports because I had them pulled up.

 

[AzKing]

I actually like Helenius a lot, I've just been posting Pronman's scouting reports because I had them pulled up.

I like Pronman and Wheeler. You get them in the same room talking on a podcast and they never agree on anything, lol.

 

[kovacro]

I have heard of the kid but honestly don’t know much about him. Time to do some reading.

 

[BigKing]

Needed type of player in the current prospect pool

 

[Purefect]

 

[Reclamation Project]

All your centers belong to us!!!

 

[Bandit]

Poor
Below average
Below average

yay?

 

[Schrute farms]

Ha. Some will never be happy. Guess some people think we have picks 1-5 OA and we’re getting all picks who are flawless at 18 years old. Shhhssss tough to please