Future Prospects

VanW27

Registered User
Jun 9, 2003
4,878
1,667
Canada
Some Finns:

'91-Toni Rajala
'92- Mikael Granlund, Teemu Pulkkinen

dont know much about these guys but my understanding is they are looking like 3 of the better prospects out of finland in the last few years, and i thought i'd throw out some names people probably havnt heard of.
 

hfboardsuser

Registered User
Nov 18, 2004
12,280
0
Some Finns:

'91-Toni Rajala
'92- Mikael Granlund, Teemu Pulkkinen

dont know much about these guys but my understanding is they are looking like 3 of the better prospects out of finland in the last few years, and i thought i'd throw out some names people probably havnt heard of.

Pulkkinen just destroyed the Junior-C league this year. 43 points in 11 games destroyed.
 

Garl

Registered User
Oct 7, 2006
8,126
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I think that he was mentioned many times already but nevertheless
2009-Victor Hedman
 

hfboardsuser

Registered User
Nov 18, 2004
12,280
0
Anyways, a look at some upcoming drafts:

2008

2008 is the year of the defenseman. In fact, there's an extremely good possibility four of the top five picks next year are defensemen:

1. Drew Doughty (OHL, Guelph Storm)
6'0, 185 lbs/Born December 8th, 1989

One of the oldest players in his draft class, Doughty is nevertheless an exceptional talent. He would be a top-three pick this year if eligible. As a sophmore with the Storm, the bluechip rearguard led the team in assists (53) and points (74), and finished third in goals on the squad with 21. An exceptionally intelligent player, Doughty's ability to command both ends of the ice is rare among forwards, let alone defensemen. A 100 point season is not out of the question next year as the team will continue to rely on his rapidly maturing game.

2. Alex Pietrangelo (OHL, Mississauga Ice Dogs)
6'3, 192 lbs/Born Jan 18, 1990

Drawing comparisons to Dion Phaneuf, Alex Pietrangelo is another rearguard with the rare ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. A ridiculous +40 on the season while also compiling 52 points in 59 games, Pietrangelo plays a physical game, but does so within the rules as his 45 PIM indicate. A long reach and excellent first pass complete the package.

3. Yann Sauve (QMJHL, Saint John Sea Dogs)
6'3, 212 lbs/Born Feb 18, 1990

Similar to Pietrangelo in overall ability, Sauve was not able to contribute as quickly in his rookie major junior season due in part to the terrible team on which he played. However, an 80+ point campaign is not out of the question for the physical, offensively gifted defenseman.

4. Michael Del Zotto (OHL, Oshawa Generals)
6'0, 190 lbs/Born June 24th, 1990

Another gem from the Ontario League, Mike Del Zotto chipped in 57 points as a rookie defenseman. Known for his big, accurate point shot, superb agility and great puckhandling, Del Zotto is the perfect powerplay quarterback. Every touch of the puck can become something dangerous. Case in point: during the Gold Medal game of the Canada Winter Games, the creative rearguard received the puck at the blueline, and surprised Manitoba's goalkeeper with a textbook wrister.

5. Luke Schenn (WHL, Kelowna Rockets)
6'3, 209 lbs/Born November 2nd, 1989

The class of the WHL's 2008-eligible rearguards, big Luke Schenn uses every inch and pound on every shift. On first glance, his 29 points as a WHL sophmore don't compare to his peer bluechippers. However, a closer look reveals the Rockets were so bad in 2006-07 that those 29 points were third-best among all players on the squad, and his 27 assists second-most. In addition, Schenn stockpiled 139 PIM to lead the blueline. With the size and skill to score double that many points next season, Schenn is 2008's answer to Dion Phaneuf.

6. Colten Teubert (WHL, Regina Pats)
6'4, 180 lbs/Born March 20th, 1990

Another big boy on D, there's more to the former 1st overall Bantam pick than just size. A smart positional player with a meanstreak, Teubert can physically control a game in the way Chris Pronger could and still does. With just 11 points, however, Teubert is still learning how to best use his giant frame.

Outside of the blueline, there's plenty of talent in '08. Zach Boychuk (WHL, Lethbridge Hurricanes) finished tied for second in league scoring with 91 points. Steve Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting led that team in scoring with 42-50-90 in just 63 games. David Toews, the younger brother of Jonathan Toews, has been a force for Shattuck-St. Mary's in the States and could emerge as a top-ten pick. Jimmy Hayes, a 6'3, 200 lbs power winger and two-way centreman Colin Wilson are the best forwards from the US.


2009

Deepest draft ever? 2009 could very well be. The big name is of course John Tavares, who scored 71 goals and 134 points as a sophmore for the Oshawa Generals. But there's a franchise defenseman, two superstar Euros and some kids from out of Atlantic Canada to watch for:

1. John Tavares (OHL, Oshawa Generals)
6'0, 183 lbs/Born September 20th 1990

How good is John Tavares? Last year, he might have been a top-ten pick. This year, he'd go #1. In 2008? Same story. However, we'll have to wait until 2009 to see his name called. Tavares is a goalscorer of the rarest level, with the ability to find the back of the net like only Mike Bossy and Brett Hull could. A 200-point season is not out of the question by the time Tavares is draft-eligible. An underdeveloped skater, that facet of the 16 year-old's game is his only weakness.

2. Steve Anthony (NSMMHL, Dartmouth Subways)
6'2, 190 lbs/Born March 21st, 1991

Not all phenoms can be big-time scorers in major junior two years before their draft year, and Steve Anthony is a good example. Playing Midget AAA as a 15 year-old for the top-notch Dartmouth Subways program, Anthony finished 1st on the team in goals (33) PP goals (15) and SH goals (3) enroute to a 63-point season in 35 games. In the playoffs, the highly-regarded forward has taken it up another notch, scoring 8-16-24 in just nine games. An exceptional player in every aspect, Anthony's skating, shot, hands and size combine to make him the next star power forward.

3. Magnus Pääjärvi (Swedish J20, Malmo)
6'3, 187 lbs/Born March 12th, 1991

Another 15 year-old playing at a relatively high level, Magnus Pääjärvi suited up for ten games in a league meant for 18-20 year-olds. All things considered, he did a-okay, potting 3 points. A dynamic forward with incredible hands and offensive instincts, Pääjärvi is a prodigy not seen in Sweden since Peter Forsberg.

4. Devon MacAusland (NBMAAADL, Moncton Flyers)
5'8, 145 lbs/Born May 23rd, 1991

Already receiving major attention due to out-of-this-world offensive production in minor hockey, tiny Devon MacAusland buoyed his stock into the stratosphere at the Canada Winter Games. The 2006 New Brunswick Midget AAA Rookie of the Year finished second in Winter Games tournament scoring, notching 21 points in just six games. An all-world playmaker with superb anticipation and hands, MacAusland's uncanny ability to find the open man generated 13 goals during the Games.

5. Victor Hedman (Swedish J20, Modo)
6'4, 211 lbs/Born December 18th, 1990

One of the most hyped Swedish defensemen in years, Victor Hedman has, at the age of 15, cemented his status a consistent offensive contributor for the powerhouse Modo organization's U-20 affiliate. The youngest player on the squad, the monster rearguard with mouth-dropping agility posted 10 points and a +10 rating in 2006-07. Tied for 12th in league scoring by defenseman, Hedman looks poised to break several records as he moves up the Swedish hockey ladder. A huge slapshot, a rough-and-tumble game and tremendous offensive awareness to go along with mature-beyond-his-years positioning and poise are the tools of a future NHL superstar.

6. Toni Rajala (B-Junior, Ilves)
Born February 29th, 1991

One of two stellar Fins in the '09 class, Rajala is the Finnish version of Sidney Crosby, having dominated the attention of the media as a 15 year-old playing with 16 year-olds. Tied for 9th in league scoring with fellow phenom Erik Haula, Rajala's on-ice vision was on full display during a 32-point campaign. An excellent skater, passer and finisher, Rajala can and did dominate contests.

7. Erik Haula (B-Junior, Assat)
5'8, 156 lbs/Born Febuary 23rd, 1991

A late surprise last season, Erik Haula's C-Junior debut as a 14 year-old was overshadowed by Rajala. However, as Haula's equal and even superior in the early rounds, there is no doubt competition at the top of the Finnish 1991 class. Haula's ability to both finish and create with aplomb make a dangerous weapon every shift.

8. Sam Calabrese (Team Illinois Midget AAA)
5'10, 160 lbs/Born February 18th, 1991

Featured in Sports Illustrated as a 13 year-old, American phenom Sam Calabrese is a throwback to the highest-calibre rushing defensemen in league history. One of the best skaters his age in the world, Calabrese's ability to guide the puck through a crowd is worth the price of admission alone. If the potent rearguard can add even two inches, he will be a contender for 2nd overall.
 
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Panopticon

Registered User
Apr 20, 2004
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Helsinki
I'm really liking the future prospects out of Finland. It's about time.

Rajala, Haula, Granlund and Pulkkinen are still young, though, and dominating in juniors doesn't always guarentee success. Especially in junior C, or junior B levels. 43 points in 11 games is no joke, though. Let's see how they do in international competitions.
 

johnny_rudeboy

Registered User
Mar 20, 2006
19,569
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Karlstad
Johan Motin, Sweden, 1989-10-10

187 cm / 6'2"
91 kg / 201 lbs

I guess he will get some hype for the next draft.
Have already played half a season in the SELat age 17, getting much ice time, 15-20min a game. Should really go atleast in the 2nd round just because of that. He signed for 3 years with FBK and will see more ice time next season. So far dont gets involved in the game other then when it comes to defending but I guess he is just playing it safe to stay on the team. Hope to see more improvement next season.
 

Garl

Registered User
Oct 7, 2006
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5. Victor Hedman (Swedish J20, Modo)
6'4, 211 lbs/Born December 18th, 1990

One of the most hyped Swedish defensemen in years, Victor Hedman has, at the age of 15, cemented his status a consistent offensive contributor for the powerhouse Modo organization's U-20 affiliate. The youngest player on the squad, the monster rearguard with mouth-dropping agility posted 10 points and a +10 rating in 2006-07. Tied for 12th in league scoring by defenseman, Hedman looks poised to break several records as he moves up the Swedish hockey ladder. A huge slapshot, a rough-and-tumble game and tremendous offensive awareness to go along with mature-beyond-his-years positioning and poise are the tools of a future NHL superstar.

Little Addition:

Victor is 6'5 already. And that's his stats in final round in Sweden's U20:
14 gp 8+7 15 points. Remember he's 3-4 years younger than most of the players and he's a Defenceman.
 

scoutman1

Twitter - scoutman33
Feb 19, 2005
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here is a newspaper article that was in Finlands paper that the HC Laser team sent me when I contacted them about Granlund.

Mikke – so young and so professional

Mikael Granlund’s name has been learned very quickly in the Finnish national ice hockey championship league of “Câ€-juniors. In this rookie season his average has been more than two points per match. And of course, in the following seasons he will learn more from the other teams.

Mikael turns 14 years at the end of February. He could still play in the same league in the season 2007-2008.

It’s a completely different case if Mikke will move to play in “Bâ€-juniors who are older than him. Since he was five years old, he has played against players who are two or three years older than him.

Juha Ring has observed Mikke’s development for many years. Teijo Raatesalmi is Mikke’s coach for this season. Both of them know Mikke very well.

- Mikael is the leader of the team during the game and after the game. I haven’t seen a young player of his standards for thirty years; since Reijo “Reksa†Ruotsalainen (Stanley Cup -winner of three times), says Ring.

Raatesalmi praises Mikke’s features more specifically: his comprehension of the game, skating skills, accurate assists, cunning bluffs, great strength, powerful tackles, right attitude, steady performing and his emotional stability.

- He controls the game and has a sense of rhythm; he also knows his endurance limits. Mikke knows what is expected from him.

Mikke’s shocking game statistics reflect the coaches’ visions. Mikke is the most powerful player in his team.

It is especially remarkable because he has no special rights for making goals. Mikke has also a big role as a defensive player, Raatesalmi says.

Despite his regular role as a center offensive player, Mikke also plays on the power play, and as he is a defensive player, he’s always on the ice when his team has disadvantage in the number of players. After he has played his own switch on the ice, he may still come to a defensive face-off if his team has disadvantage in players.

Ring and Raatesalmi know that Mikke is a marked player. Even though he is not so big by his size, he plays against the best players of the other team.

- His level of playing has been steady for the whole season, but his time with the puck has decreased during the last few matches, Raatesalmi counts.

Because Ring and Raatesalmi are so proud of Mikke, we interviewed him after his training. Mikke, what do you like most in playing ice hockey?

- I like making goals and giving good assists. I also like to bluff the opponent, he grins.

And what about the coaches? What do they think that Mikke should improve?

After a long silence, Raatesalmi says that he has discussed with Mikke about making more shots.

Mikke’s teachers are silent and that is no miracle. Mikke has the best possible grades in mathematics, English and German.


FACTS

- Mikael Granlund
- Date of birth: 26th of February, 1992
- He is living in Oulunsalo, which is near the city of Oulu (in Northern Finland)
- He plays in the Laser Hockey Team
- He has been the center offensive player since he was 5 years old
- On this season he has played 28 games
- The average time on ice: 22-23 minutes
- Average of 58 shots towards the goal per game
- 18 goals and 42 assists
- He has been on the ice when his team has made 55 goals total, and opponent has made a total of 10 goals
- 329 assists to his own team, 52 assists intercepted
- 392 face-off wins, 276 face-off loses
- 10 penalty minutes total
 

ISS Hockey

Top30 Draft Rankings
How is Hedmans skating?

Very good. Straight ahead speed, lateral movement, big strides that eat up ice in a hurry and he loves to rush the puck. He's not the best skater in his league, but when you consider his age and his size, his skating ability becomes all the more impressive. He's got a few years to go, but his skating might be as good as Bouwmeester's to give you a comparison to a young blueliner in the NHL.
 

Jeff_Dyck_#1

Est. MMII
Apr 11, 2005
630
71
HF since 1998
The Swedish Elite League

"Red=Likely first-rounders"

2007 Draft

1. F Mikael Backlund 1989-03-17 183 88 L

2. F Joakim Andersson 1989-02-05 188 90 L

3. F Lars Eller 1989-07-12 184 90 L

4. D Nichlas Torp 1989-04-10 181 87 L

5. G Joel Gistedt 1987-12-07 181 80 L

6. F Andreas Thuresson 1987-11-18 187 88 R

7. F Simon Hjalmarsson 1989-02-01 181 73 L

8. D Oliver Lauridsen 1989-03-24 196 92 L

9. D Jens Hellgren 1989-03-06 191 82 L

10.G Mark Owuya 1989-07-18 187 86 L
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 Draft

1. D Johan Motin 1989-10-10 187 91 R

2. F Mattias Tedenby 1990-02-21 175 77 L

3. F Anton Gustafsson 1990-02-25 187 86 L

4. F Mikkel Bødker 1989-12-16 180 83 L

5. G Jacob Markström 1990-01-31 189 75 L

6. F André Petersson 1990-09-11 176 75 R

7. F Emil Bejmo 1989-10-10 176 73 L

8. D Philip Larsen 1989-12-07 180 78 R

9. F Johan Erkgärds 1989-11-12 183 80 L

10.F Joakim Mattsson 1990-01-24 177 75 L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2009 Draft

1. D Victor Hedman 1990-12-18 196 96 L

2. F Anton Lander 1991-04-24 181 78 L

3. F William Wallén 1991-08-16 171 74 R

4. D Anton Mylläri 1991-02-27 184 97 L

5. F Magnus Pääjärvi 1991-04-12 184 81 L

6. F Henrik Björklund 1990-09-22 186 86 L

7. F Marcus Johansson 1990-10-06 180 78 L

8. D Peter Andersson 1991-04-13 189 83 L

9. F Jacob Josefsson 1991-03-02 179 78 L

10.D Niclas Burström 1991-01-25 173 58 L

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 Draft

1. F Viktor Öhman 1992-00-00 --- -- L :teach: :D :crossfing:

2. F Jacob Berglund 1991-11-17 180 85 L
 
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johnny canuckistan

Registered User
Nov 14, 2006
2,139
0
The Swedish Elite League

"Red=Likely first-rounders"

2007 Draft

1. F Mikael Backlund 1989-03-17 183 88 L
...

2010 Draft

1. F Viktor Öhman 1992-00-00 --- -- L :teach: :D :crossfing:

2. F Jacob Berglund 1991-11-17 180 85 L



Ouch. I think that's the earliest mention of the 2010 draft that I've seen. In some ways it seems way too soon to even think about it, but since some people have been thinking about Tavares in '09 since he started in the OHL, I guess it makes some sense.

Ouch, though.
 

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