F Konsta Helenius (2024, 14th, BUF)

[Jukurit]

Helenius will play center. Michal Kovarcik got injured in last game and Miikka Pitkänen has been injured for a long time, so Jukurit has a center problem. Also NHL man Quinton Howden doesn't impress.

Helenius plays with Jormakka (back from injury) and Huuhtanen, so very good linemates.

 

[Jukurit]

Helenius 6th youngest all-time to score a goal in Liiga.

 

[illone84]

apparently been getting lots of praise from Olli the chief Jokinen. Kid seems legit

 

[Jukurit]

Looked really good in 1st period against Luleå in Champions Hockey League.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Just curious since his brother plays with Tappara. How did he end up skating for Jukurit.

I know there have been 17 and 18 year olds but don't remember many 16-year-olds (Puljujarvi?) playing in Liiga.

 

[JabbaJabba]

Just curious since his brother plays with Tappara. How did he end up skating for Jukurit.

I know there have been 17 and 18 year olds but don't remember many 16-year-olds (Puljujarvi?) playing in Liiga.

Tappara loaned Konsta to Jukurit.

I don't know how many 16 year olds have played in Liiga but there seems to be more than one would expect. Just this season Aron Kiviharju and Topias Hynninen debuted as 16 year olds before Helenius. Then players like Kemell, Ristolainen, Aleksi Saarela, Puljujärvi, Laine played in Liiga when they where 16 year olds. I don't know where to find the full list.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

Tappara loaned Konsta to Jukurit.

I don't know how many 16 year olds have played in Liiga but there seems to be more than one would expect. Just this season Aron Kiviharju and Topias Hynninen debuted as 16 year olds before Helenius. Then players like Kemell, Ristolainen, Aleksi Saarela, Puljujärvi, Laine played in Liiga as when they where 16 year olds. I don't know where to find the full list.

When I thought about it didn't Kasperi Kapanen play alongside his father for KalPa when he was 16?

 

[JabbaJabba]

When I thought about it didn't Kasperi Kapanen play alongside his father for KalPa when he was 16?

Yes he did. And yeah, Kasperi is another 16 year old who played in Liiga.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

His overall game looks very solid for Liiga already. Doesn't have a standout skill, but he has good awareness both offensively and defensively and is a puck hound. Got robbed by the goaltender of a great assist today. Just based on playstyle he kind of reminds me of Kakko in his D-1 season, but without the massive frame? Bonus points for not looking out of place at center.

 

[Jukurit]

His overall game looks very solid for Liiga already. Doesn't have a standout skill, but he has good awareness both offensively and defensively and is a puck hound. Got robbed by the goaltender of a great assist today. Just based on playstyle he kind of reminds me of Kakko in his D-1 season, but without the massive frame? Bonus points for not looking out of place at center.

I'd say his skating is a standout skill.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

I'd say his skating is a standout skill.

imo not really in the way Lambert or Heiskanen for example stood out with their skating. Compared to his peers I'd say he's a tier below that. Could also just be that he doesn't rely on it as much as someone like Lambert.

 

[Jukurit]

2 primary assists against KalPa today. I didn't watch the game because of World Juniors.
Now has 4 points in 11 games as 16 year old in Liiga. Pretty good.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

Having a good game against Ilves, great stick lift to steal the puck at the opponent’s blue line and some nice rushes by Helenius.

 

[Jukurit]

Having a good game against Ilves, great stick lift to steal the puck at the opponent’s blue line and some nice rushes by Helenius.

Probably best game he's played so far.
He's been flying!

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

Probably best game he's played so far.
He's been flying!

Just to be early I’ll say he looks like a contender for a top-10 selection. He’s progressed tremendously in just one year, he keeps playing like this and the points will come.

 

[Jukurit]

Just to be early I’ll say he looks like a contender for a top-10 selection. He’s progressed tremendously in just one year, he keeps playing like this and the points will come.

Craig Button had him 5th overall in his early rankings. I do wonder why Helenius doesn't seem to have more hype now? He looks really good. Great skater, skilled, hard working, plays center. A lot to like. Makes me think of Sebastian Aho a bit.

 

[TheFinnishTrap]

Craig Button had him 5th overall in his early rankings. I do wonder why Helenius doesn't seem to have more hype now? He looks really good. Great skater, skilled, hard working, plays center. A lot to like. Makes me think of Sebastian Aho a bit.

Less coverage due to Covid and Kiviharju taking up all the spotlight maybe? They should put up a show at the U18s.

 

[Jukurit]

Less coverage due to Covid and Kiviharju taking up all the spotlight maybe? They should put up a show at the U18s.

That's probably why. Without Kiviharju, Helenius would get all the Finnish hype of being the top Finnish player for 2024 draft.

 

[FinPanda]

I love the 2024 draft for a Finn pov. So many potential 1st round picks.

 

[Erikfromfin]

2 goals in first period

 

[karhukissa]

I love the 2024 draft for a Finn pov. So many potential 1st round picks.

This 2006 batch is the strongest since -97/98 born guys. Really good crop of talent.

 

[Lavar Ball]

 

[JabbaJabba]

Very excited about him. Hopefully he can still grow a bit in height.

 

[Jukurit]

After Kirk and Huuhtanen, Helenius has the 3rd best Corsi on Jukurit with 55.5%. Jukurit team Corsi is 49.60%. Seems pretty good for a 16-year-old.

 

[Jukurit]

Helenius now has 10 points in 31 games. Very impressive production for a U17 player.

Assist today: