Just catching up with some footage from the U18 worlds. There's some interesting prospects that are a bit under the radar that could prove to be good mid-round picks.
Eetu Tuulola is one of them. At 18 years old he is already 6'3 225lbs. A right shot RW who is naturally physical, has some solid offensive instincts and goes to the net hard. Although he could improve his skating it doesn't seem like it's bad by any means. Good at protecting the puck too. I would have a lot of time for this kid, he could be a possession monster if he pans out. Honestly, I think he could be a Maroon type player but with better skating.
A sizey winger with great offensive instincts. Drives to the net hard and leans into his hits. Displays slick puckhandling skills and a hard shot that he needs to use more. Skates with balance, but needs to get faster. Works very hard and doesn't take shifts off. Needs to be more active in his own end and pressure the opposition into making more rushed plays. All-in-all, a competitive winger with the size and skills to be a difference maker in games. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
I got my first viewings of Janne Kuokkanen as well. He played on a line with Puljujärvi and they were terrific together. Seems like a very cerebral player and it looks like the game comes naturally to him. He may not have one quality that stands out above the rest aside from his hockey IQ but he's a well-rounded player that can skate, pass, shoot, win board battles, anything really. Got a lot of praise from Craig Button at the U18's and rightfully so.
James Greenway and Joey Anderson are two other interesting guys but I doubt we target either of them. Greenway is another LHD with limited upside and Anderson, while being a skilled winger with top6 upside that we could use more of in the system, I don't think is on the menu simply because he is likely going to need a lot of seasoning at college and might not sign here.
