C Aleksi Saarela - Lukko, Liiga (2015, 89th, NYR; traded to CAR, traded to CHI, traded to FLA)

[behemolari]

Killed it today. Played very well, despite the Russian takeover.

didn't look a midget at all, at least against russians

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Saarela's 24th in face-offs in Liiga of players who've taken over 300 FO's (around minimum for regular centers at this point). He's over 50% as well. Being over 50% at 18 years old in a men's league is very good. Face-offs is usually one of the areas where the older players are much better at. He's the best face-off guy that Finland has on that WJC team. I don't think thats really an area to worry about.

He seems like a natural center to me, a lot more than a winger, although I think he's done well as a winger.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He's having a really good WJC tournament. 4+2=6 in 5 games, and his defense and compete level, along with his FO ability is impressive. He's also versatile. I think he should be playing center, but he's done well as a LW, and he can play many positions on the PP. I also think he should be getting more PK time than he's getting. Gordie Clark did a really good job picking Saarela in the third round. I can't think of anything he doesn't do well. He probably dropped due to injuries and only being 5'10 or 5'11.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

He should be getting more love. Has had a great tournament so far. He has great vision, shot, strength... If he manages to keep his compete level and focus high, he will become a quality NHLer.

 

[Number 57]

I've been highly impressed with him. I thought he was eligible only for the 2016 draft, but good for the Rangers for picking him this late in 2015. A good talent with high hockey IQ, he does everything well, skates fast and has some good offensive skills.

I am really liking this kid's game, wish he was a Habs draft pick.

 

[Finnished]

Seems like he will never give up. The rangers got a good one since even if he doesn't become a 1st or 2nd line star he can play in the 3rd line too.

 

[Jayevs]

Wish we could've seen him center the Rantanen line.

 

[NorwFin]

Wish we could've seen him center the Rantanen line.

Me too. Can't say I haven't been happy with Hintz and Kalapudas though.

 

[Jayevs]

Me too. Can't say I haven't been happy with Hintz and Kalapudas though.

Saarela just looks like a much smarter player who can win face offs, not to mention he brings the strong 2-way game most Finns do and he has the relentless motor/he's a hard worker to top it all off.

 

[NorwFin]

Saarela just looks like a much smarter player who can win face offs, not to mention he brings the strong 2-way game most Finns do and he has the relentless motor/he's a hard worker to top it all off.

Agree completely. But the other guys have not been bad..

 

[Esko6]

Saarela is probably my favourite player on team FIN, but I don't think he has an NHL future. He has always been physically mature for his age, he probably does not have much more development left and is already near his peak.

 

[FinPanda]

Saarela has been a total teamplayer and a huge workhorse. He deserves a lot of credit that we are in the final now.

Like him a lot.

 

[Joe MacMillan]

Saarela is probably my favourite player on team FIN, but I don't think he has an NHL future. He has always been physically mature for his age, he probably does not have much more development left and is already near his peak.

Having greater physical maturity compared to his peers = not much room for development? How that makes any sense?

 

[FLYLine27*]

Saarela is probably my favourite player on team FIN, but I don't think he has an NHL future. He has always been physically mature for his age, he probably does not have much more development left and is already near his peak.

Hmm.....an 18 year old already at his peak.

Yea....

 

[Hokinaittii]

Saarela is probably my favourite player on team FIN, but I don't think he has an NHL future. He has always been physically mature for his age, he probably does not have much more development left and is already near his peak.

The kid is 18. It's ridiculous to think he's near his peak physically.

 

[Stavros]

Just look at how strong his father father was during his prime, he bench pressed 350lbs and was an absolute bull on the ice. Similar physique and Aleksis skating will be tough combo to stop.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He's not some huge 6'5 230 pound hulking power forward who relies on overpowering everyone. He's about 5'11 190-200, and he probably is stronger than most kids his age and height, but that just means he's more pro-ready. He doesn't really even rely on his strength. He relies on having such a well-rounded game.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Saarela definitely is more of a skill player than anything else. The fact that he has a great physique and has been able to develop his all-around game and compete-level all predict that he has a future in the NHL.

How long will it take until he is at the NHL level remains to be seen, but he is looking promising at the moment. Stylistically Saarela has previously reminded me of Zetterberg without the defense, but if he keeps this trajectory who knows how good he will become defensively.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think a lot of people are watching Saarela and seeing a lot of different strengths in his game than others, there doesn't seem to be much agreement. I think this is sometimes what happens when people try to assess a well-rounded player. Some see the offense, some see the compete level, some see the defense, its pretty much all there. He's not as flashy as Laine or Pulju. He might not be as good as any player on that top line, but he's the most well rounded forward on that team right now, although I think all three on that top line could be very well-rounded players eventually.

Saarela got a head start by playing so early in Liiga and developing his game against professionals at such an early age. This is the fourth season that he's played games in Liiga. He's kind of a veteran by now, while he plays on these international teams with some players who probably have yet to debut in Liiga.

 

[Dropkick Murphy]

Saarela has very good shot, but is still finding out how to utilize it. Current trend says 15-20 G two-way NHL forward, which is actually very good. Saarela has had injury problems in past but looks healthy now. As mention above, his father had extremely strong upper body, and looks like Aleksi has inherited that trait.

 

[kelsier]

Saarela has been flatout amasing in this tournament. One of the best forwards after the first line (if not the best). He has improved his complete level of game by leaps since last year. Seems like a catch for a third round. Don't know where the team would be without him, but propably not playing for the gold medal imo.

 

[Petri1981]

Saarela is probably my favourite player on team FIN, but I don't think he has an NHL future. He has always been physically mature for his age, he probably does not have much more development left and is already near his peak.

I think Saarela can definitely make it to the NHL. Before his injuries he was regarded as one of the most talented players in the world for the 2015 draft. He just lost so much development time with the injuries, but the talent is still there.

 

[BusQuets]

He reminds me of Parise. Saarela's engine never seems to quit, they both get through hits and just keep their feet moving.

 

[Finnpin]

Just look at how strong his father father was during his prime, he bench pressed 350lbs and was an absolute bull on the ice. Similar physique and Aleksis skating will be tough combo to stop.

His dad was a bull for sure and still is...

 

[Loffer]

The Oat Giant of Laitila. Oh hell he was ad thick as they come in sports. As wide as tall. A ****ing square.