C Aatu Räty - Jukurit, Liiga (2021, 52nd, NYI)

[AB13]

Lundell vs Lafreniere

I do not think anyone ever compared Lundell with Lafreniere, Lafreniere will almost certainly go number 1, but if he should compete with anyone it would be Raymond, Byfield or Holtz. Lundell will be lucky if he manages to go top 10. Räty is probably already not worse than Lundell to be honest.

 

[Svedu]

I do not think anyone ever compared Lundell with Lafreniere, Lafreniere will almost certainly go number 1, but if he should compete with anyone it would be Raymond, Byfield or Holtz. Lundell will be lucky if he manages to go top 10. Räty is probably already not worse than Lundell to be honest.

Perhaps not, but i believe you understood my point? Top ten? He´s a center, he will go at least top eight and probably top six. Mark my words.
Räty should almost be considered as the biggest prospect since Barkov and that doesn't tell us anything about Lundells abilities or potential. Just look at Hintz, Aho, Rantanen, Heiskanen etc. Not the same level of talent as Barkov at young age, but every one of them would be considered as elite nowadays.
Almost insane what Finland have been producing since players born 94 and forward have been drafted. That says a lot when a national hero Granlund (92), Haula (91) and others are almost on the same level as other leading finns before them like Koivu, Filppula etc.
Teräväinen, Ristolainen, Barkov, Hintz, Rantanen, Aho, Laine, Puljujärvi (as a prospect), Juolevi( as a prospect), Jokiharju, Vaakanainen, Heiskanen, Luukkonen, Kupari, Heponiemi, the list goes on.

With this said, just because someone is not at Barkovs, Rätys, Lamberts or Kiviharjus level of talent, like almost franchise level, doesn't mean Thomson, Laaksonen, Talvitie, Kemell, Tuomaala, Kupari, Maccelli, Heponiemi etc can reach a high level in the future, perhaps top 4-D or top 6 forward kind of level.
The level on these "Other" talents are nothing but amazing when comparing with the talents before them. Mikko Koivu would not even be considered as a top pick, even if he is the best forward born in the 80´s.

 

[AB13]

Perhaps not, but i believe you understood my point? Top ten? He´s a center, he will go at least top eight and probably top six. Mark my words.
Räty should almost be considered as the biggest prospect since Barkov and that doesn't tell us anything about Lundells abilities or potential. Just look at Hintz, Aho, Rantanen, Heiskanen etc. Not the same level of talent as Barkov at young age, but every one of them would be considered as elite nowadays.
Almost insane what Finland have been producing since players born 94 and forward have been drafted. That says a lot when a national hero Granlund (92), Haula (91) and others are almost on the same level as other leading finns before them like Koivu, Filppula etc.
Teräväinen, Ristolainen, Barkov, Hintz, Rantanen, Aho, Laine, Puljujärvi (as a prospect), Juolevi( as a prospect), Jokiharju, Vaakanainen, Heiskanen, Luukkonen, Kupari, Heponiemi, the list goes on.

With this said, just because someone is not at Barkovs, Rätys, Lamberts or Kiviharjus level of talent, like almost franchise level, doesn't mean Thomson, Laaksonen, Talvitie, Kemell, Tuomaala, Kupari, Maccelli, Heponiemi etc can reach a high level in the future, perhaps top 4-D or top 6 forward kind of level.
The level on these "Other" talents are nothing but amazing when comparing with the talents before them. Mikko Koivu would not even be considered as a top pick, even if he is the best forward born in the 80´s.

Well yeah, of course prospects from all over the world apply to what you just said, but Lundell really is not a top level, high end prospect to me. He lacks dynamism, skating and skill, I do not see him putting up elite numbers offensively at the NHL level. 2020 is a strong draft with incredibly good CHLers such as Lafreniere, Byfield, Perfetti and Drysdale, along with three Swedes who have been putting up historic offensive numbers in Raymond, Holtz and Gunler, along with one of the best goalie prospects in years in Askarov, and Tim Stütlze who is over a PPG in a League that is better than the Liiga nowadays. There is no way Lundell goes over any of those guys who have a million times more offensive potential. Teams will probably reach for a defenseman in the top 10 too as usual. Centers are not that important that you pass on a comfortably superior player that plays another position, no one would pass on Marner to draft Zacha, for example.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Well yeah, of course prospects from all over the world apply to what you just said, but Lundell really is not a top level, high end prospect to me. He lacks dynamism, skating and skill, I do not see him putting up elite numbers offensively at the NHL level. 2020 is a strong draft with incredibly good CHLers such as Lafreniere, Byfield, Perfetti and Drysdale, along with three Swedes who have been putting up historic offensive numbers in Raymond, Holtz and Gunler, along with one of the best goalie prospects in years in Askarov, and Tim Stütlze who is over a PPG in a League that is better than the Liiga nowadays. There is no way Lundell goes over any of those guys who have a million times more offensive potential. Teams will probably reach for a defenseman in the top 10 too as usual. Centers are not that important that you pass on a comfortably superior player that plays another position, no one would pass on Marner to draft Zacha, for example.

Not to nitpick but Raymond and Gunler both have 1+2 this season in 12 games. Are those really historical numbers, or are you just applying Holtz's achievements on both of them?

 

[Svedu]

Well yeah, of course prospects from all over the world apply to what you just said, but Lundell really is not a top level, high end prospect to me. He lacks dynamism, skating and skill, I do not see him putting up elite numbers offensively at the NHL level. 2020 is a strong draft with incredibly good CHLers such as Lafreniere, Byfield, Perfetti and Drysdale, along with three Swedes who have been putting up historic offensive numbers in Raymond, Holtz and Gunler, along with one of the best goalie prospects in years in Askarov, and Tim Stütlze who is over a PPG in a League that is better than the Liiga nowadays. There is no way Lundell goes over any of those guys who have a million times more offensive potential. Teams will probably reach for a defenseman in the top 10 too as usual. Centers are not that important that you pass on a comfortably superior player that plays another position, no one would pass on Marner to draft Zacha, for example.

Yeah the difference between Lundell and those players are just as big as the difference was and is between Marner and Zacha? Come on, you can do better than that if you really want to convince me.

 

[AB13]

Not to nitpick but Raymond and Gunler both have 1+2 this season in 12 games. Are those really historical numbers, or are you just applying Holtz's achievements on both of them?

Gunler usually plays 5 minutes a game, and Raymond around 10, Holtz 12-13. I was talking about historical Superelit numbers last year, I was not referring to this season.

 

[AB13]

Yeah the difference between Lundell and those players are just as big as the difference was and is between Marner and Zacha? Come on, you can do better than that if you really want to convince me.

Never said the difference was that big, maybe it is the equivalent of comparing Marner, Boeser and Panarin to Backlund or Koivu.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Gunler usually plays 5 minutes a game, and Raymond around 10, Holtz 12-13. I was talking about historical Superelit numbers last year, I was not referring to this season.

I see, thanks for the clarification.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Räty should almost be considered as the biggest prospect since Barkov and that doesn't tell us anything about Lundells abilities or potential. Just look at Hintz, Aho, Rantanen, Heiskanen etc. Not the same level of talent as Barkov at young age, but every one of them would be considered as elite nowadays.

With this said, just because someone is not at Barkovs, Rätys, Lamberts or Kiviharjus level of talent, like almost franchise level

You're forgetting that Laine, Puljujärvi and Kakko were more highly touted than Barkov was in his draft year (ranked 4th). Laine also performed better his first 2 years than Barkov did up until his meh season last year.

Barkovs amazing now but his Liiga numbers were a bit inflated due to the circumstances.

 

[ijuka]

You're forgetting that Laine, Puljujärvi and Kakko were more highly touted than Barkov was in his draft year (ranked 4th). Laine also performed better his first 2 years than Barkov did up until his meh season last year.

Barkovs amazing now but his Liiga numbers were a bit inflated due to the circumstances.

You can't just say that a #2 or #3 is more highly touted than a #4, it depends on the strength of the individual drafts.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

You can't just say that a #2 or #3 is more highly touted than a #4, it depends on the strength of the individual drafts.

Yea, I know. Barkov was underhyped in his draft year and took awhile to get going but now he's amazing.

People act like he was a surefire Selke contender from early age just because he's good now. MacKinnon wasn't expected to be AS good as he is either.

 

[FinPanda]

Leijonat - U20 Nuoret Leijonat kotiturnaukseensa tällä joukkueella

He will play at the U20 tournament.

 

[Mysteric1000]

Leijonat - U20 Nuoret Leijonat kotiturnaukseensa tällä joukkueella

He will play at the U20 tournament.

And his brother there also. No need to guess who he will play with there, especially on the PP

 

[Seppo the Genuine]

As a Kärpät fan who watches most of their matches, I really miss him now when he hasn't been playing in the men's team. It feels like Aku was also better inside the game as they were playing together.

The team itself plays amazingly well right now though. But if we just had that dynamic third line with the bros, it could do wonders.

 

[kelsier]

As a Kärpät fan who watches most of their matches, I really miss him now when he hasn't been playing in the men's team. It feels like Aku was also better inside the game as they were playing together.

The team itself plays amazingly well right now though. But if we just had that dynamic third line with the bros, it could do wonders.

Sharing the sentiment. Although I thought Aatu looked better than his brother in almost every game they played and he was the one who created the scoring chances which Aku exploited. Aatu just looked much better in all around game and was incredibly dynamic. Playing his brother instead of him because he's older seems a bit unfair. Then again they may see it differently. With that said, this kid would play in almost any other team which is a pity. Nonetheless hope to see him again in the second half of the season.

 

[Seppo the Genuine]

Sharing the sentiment. Although I thought Aatu looked better than his brother in almost every game they played and he was the one who created the scoring chances which Aku exploited. Aatu just looked much better in all around game and was incredibly dynamic. Playing his brother instead of him because he's older seems a bit unfair. Then again they may see it differently. With that said, this kid would play in almost any other team which is a pity. Nonetheless hope to see him again in the second half of the season.

I agree. I think Aku deserves to be in the line up but even more more does Aatu. Aatu's all around game was solid as you mentioned.

He has all what it takes to play in the Liiga. That being said, playing in U20 is not the right place for him. I dare to claim that giving him chances now would prepare him for the playoffs and eventually he could help the team better than some other guys in the roster. Also, he will certainly be in Oulu in the next season so it would be a strategic decision as well.

 

[Eidyia]

Aatu played 8-12 minutes per game in Liiga. It's better for him to play 20+ minutes in the junior-A.

 

[JJTT]

Aatu played 8-12 minutes per game in Liiga. It's better for him to play 20+ minutes in the junior-A.

I think they are letting him focus on the U20 WJC's and training, should be a full time player in January, unless Kärpät's bottom 6 forwards suddenly learn how to play hockey.

 

[JJTT]

Hopefully he gets to play tomorrow, Kärpät is down to 3 centers with Kristof, Metsävainio and Pesonen out. I think Räty could really help the PP as well, that has been awful as of late.

 

[LoveHateLeafs]

How was his play yesterday against SaiPa?

 

[JustaFinnishGuy]

He was decent. 2 shots from in-between the hash marks but they went way over the net. He mostly got the puck to the offensive end and his linemates couldn't compliment him enough, Humaloja in particular.
No gaffes no goofs, just decent as a 0+0 game can be.

 

[LeProspector]

Is he going to make Finland’s u20 team?

 

[king89]

Is he going to make Finland’s u20 team?

Most likely.

 

[FinPanda]

Is he going to make Finland’s u20 team?

He should make it, I would be surprised if he didn't.

 

[JJTT]

https://thehockeywriters.com/2021-nhl-draft-rankings-bells-early-top-21/

This 2021 Draft is very likely to see the first Finn ever to have his name called first in Aatu Räty. It’s a long way away still, but Räty is the unanimous first-overall rankings – so far.

He has looked decent at Liiga level so far. Kinda reminds me how Aho looked in his draft +1 year, without much PP time and limited minutes before the WJC's. Think both Räty brothers will have big role in the spring and playoffs.

This kid just oozes potential in everything, has the size, shot, passing, hands and physical game, he is going to be scary good when he puts up some weight and has some more experience at pro level.