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C/W Ville Koivunen - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (2021, 51st, CAR, traded to PIT)

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lakai17 said:
The AHL benefits his development opposed to limited minutes with the big club.
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I’m personally not a fan of the AHL as a developmental league and just disagree here. It’d be one thing if the Pens had a loaded and competitive contending roster, but they don’t. He should’ve been getting middle 6 minutes in the NHL all year, which would’ve been great for his development. But again, that’s just my opinion.
 
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AhosDatsyukian said:
I’m personally not a fan of the AHL as a developmental league and just disagree here. It’d be one thing if the Pens had a loaded and competitive contending roster, but they don’t. He should’ve been getting middle 6 minutes in the NHL all year, which would’ve been great for his development. But again, that’s just my opinion.
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For Finnish players it is pretty much proven to have them looking at flights home as extended time there brings them longer from the NHL
 
AhosDatsyukian said:
I’m personally not a fan of the AHL as a developmental league and just disagree here. It’d be one thing if the Pens had a loaded and competitive contending roster, but they don’t. He should’ve been getting middle 6 minutes in the NHL all year, which would’ve been great for his development. But again, that’s just my opinion.
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There is no better league in the World to develop in but yes, a large percentage of Europeans will not stay for long. Nothing wrong with a full AHL season and hopefully some playoff hockey. Crack the squad next year.
 
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AhosDatsyukian said:
I’m personally not a fan of the AHL as a developmental league and just disagree here. It’d be one thing if the Pens had a loaded and competitive contending roster, but they don’t. He should’ve been getting middle 6 minutes in the NHL all year, which would’ve been great for his development. But again, that’s just my opinion.
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Koivunen would be buried on the bottom 6, limited minutes with plugs. Hence their standings. That does nothing for his development. He has more talent than the bottom 6 currently yes, which doesn't say much frankly. I do believe he'll get his feet wet this season but he's going to have all the opportunity to make the roster come September.
 
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Penguins have a lot of forwards signed next year, most of whom might just be too bad to move, and Ponomarev who has to clear waivers to go down, plus maybe Hallander coming back over. Koivunen might need to be patient. He should get at least a call-up soon though.
 
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Colt.45Orr said:
Seems like a kid that Sid would love to play with, no?
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His play certainly warrants a call up, however the big club is in free fall and it might be more conducive to his development to continue to dominate in Wilkes-Barre for a top 5 team.

I actually think he might mesh better with Geno, he seems to play more of a Euro style east-west game.
 
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Jukurit said:
Is Koivunen's skating good enough for NHL?
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I have doubts too, but I’m not the good person to ask, just have the same questions. There is a reputable insider in Quebec, Stephane Leroux , who has this guy 6th better prospect not playing in the NHL. It seems so ridiculous to me and seems like stats watching , but as I said I just don’t know and would welcome some unbiased takes on him
 
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Jukurit said:
Is Koivunen's skating good enough for NHL?
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Hard to tell with how little he’s been with the big club. Think it’s fine enough to play but maybe holds back his ultimate upside. It will be interesting what he is. Has the skill and brain for top 6. Maybe not the athleticism to go up against top matchups tho. And not a clear fit in a bottom 6.

Pens brass recently talked about how he’s having a great year he needs to get stronger and improve his conditioning.

If he can do that and gets a bit of a skating bump, look out. If not- he may be more Ryan Spooner. But I have some optimism, he’s pretty reliable and responsible off the puck. Good habits IMO, just not the biggest, fastest, or strongest.
 
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