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

[BusQuets]

Any AHL fans here to comment on if that's a good start or just the level of AHL being lower than ever before.

At least Pulkkinen was lighting up the A but never has been able to translate his game to the NHL. I'm starting to wonder if AHL is actually below FEL, possibly somewhere between NLA and FEL in league quality.

It has always been easier to score points in AHL than in Liiga.

 

[JJTT]

No, its better than Liiga, might be better than the SHL, as well.

Better maybe, but it's still much easier to score points in AHL

 

[Unsustainable]

AHL Player of the Week for his debut

 

[nobuddy]

Another goal tonight

 

[CandyCanes]

That was the game winner too. 5 goals 2 assists in 5 games. Making the AHL look easy.

 

[wings5]

That was the game winner too. 5 goals 2 assists in 5 games. Making the AHL look easy.

It's good but so did Tyler Bertuzzi. I think it's more telling to see production for an extended period because it's a grinding league so some players tend to wear down playing many AHL games. Some prospects will come in with fresh legs especially college guys) and look really good while the vets are coasting and not overexerting until playoff time when the intensity gets ramped up higher.

 

[BusQuets]

It's good but so did Tyler Bertuzzi. I think it's more telling to see production for an extended period because it's a grinding league so some players tend to wear down playing many AHL games. Some prospects will come in with fresh legs especially college guys) and look really good while the vets are coasting and not overexerting until playoff time when the intensity gets ramped up higher.

Saarela had played 50 games this season before coming to AHL.

 

[Roboturner913]

Have a hunch this guy is going to be playing wing for the Canes next year. In terms of pure shooting talent, I honestly don't know if the Canes have anybody that can match him. Maybe Faulk, when he's on.

 

[wings5]

Saarela had played 50 games this season before coming to AHL.

As many players have coming from major junior or European leagues, I meant that these players generally aren't as beat up as the ones who have played a full AHL season thus far. The AHL is a pretty physical, grinding league.

 

[DaveG]

Have a hunch this guy is going to be playing wing for the Canes next year. In terms of pure shooting talent, I honestly don't know if the Canes have anybody that can match him. Maybe Faulk, when he's on.

Skinner? I mean he's streaky but when he's on he's basically unstoppable.

 

[DougieSmash]

Would love to see Saarela with playmaker like Lindholm. Or even with Gauthier in near future.

 

[KILLger]

Would love to see Saarela with playmaker like Lindholm. Or even with Gauthier in near future.

Aho(C/W)-Lindholm(C/RW)-Saarela(C, but probably a W)

Switch them however it fits best.

 

[Nedved Petr]

How many NHL games would you reckon Saarela plays this year? How do people have him projecting in terms of production?

 

[vivalavili]

How many NHL games would you reckon Saarela plays this year? How do people have him projecting in terms of production?

Could as well be a full season in a minor role. 10 points in 9 games in AHL and 30 points in 50 in Liiga in a non-playoff team so he will probably sneak in the roster. 3rd line center could be the perfect role for him with occasional pp time with Aho and Teuvo.

 

[Finlandia WOAT]

He's having shoulder surgery. It sounds like they're planning on keeping him in the AHL to aid his convalescence.

 

[Jonas1235]

longer he doesn't play in the NHL, better the trade is for NYR.

 

[MarVell]

How many NHL games would you reckon Saarela plays this year? How do people have him projecting in terms of production?

Zero games, as he is injured more often than Barkov.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

He's having shoulder surgery. It sounds like they're planning on keeping him in the AHL to aid his convalescence.

Yeah, and i think a full year in the AHL with a game or two up with the big club would be ideal regardless.

If everything goes well from that standpoint i think he's going to be ready for the NHL in 18-19.

 

[tarheelhockey]

It's good but so did Tyler Bertuzzi. I think it's more telling to see production for an extended period because it's a grinding league so some players tend to wear down playing many AHL games. Some prospects will come in with fresh legs especially college guys) and look really good while the vets are coasting and not overexerting until playoff time when the intensity gets ramped up higher.

This is an interesting comment in retrospect.

9 points in his first 6 games
0 points his next 3 games
0 points in 5 playoff games
Shoulder surgery

 

[CandyCanes]

This is an interesting comment in retrospect.

9 points in his first 6 games
0 points his next 3 games
0 points in 5 playoff games
Shoulder surgery

He also supposedly hurt his shoulder right before the playoffs started if recall correctly. He took a couple of nights off at the end of the season too. So the drastic drop to no production could definitely correlate to him playing injured.

 

[Hulkacaniac]

Thought this was notable enough. Hattrick last night

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Good to see him doing well. Carolina could use offense.

 

[StiffSquid]

Hopefully he can stay healthy. I like this kid.

 

[Surrounded By Ahos]

Saarela got the call! Kruger just went on IR and Wallmark took a skate to the nuts last game and is questionable for tomorrow. Hopefully he plays and they don’t try to make Jooris play center again.

 

[Peeps]

He seems to play LW this year instead of full time C. Also comfirming he's a pure sniper. 121 shots in 58 games. 2,08 shots per games. Ranks him 81th in the league in shots on goal.

I think he could shot more. But it's really good for a first full season in the AHL.

If anyone has more info about in game scouting report it would be appreciated