Lenni Hämeenaho, RW, Ässät (New Jersey Devils)
One of the most puzzling prospects in last year's draft,
Lenni Hämeenaho's hockey sense and goalscoring instincts were never in doubt. Despite obvious mechanical shortcomings, he bulldozed his way to Ässät's lineup and never gave up his spot, finishing with the fourth-highest points-per-game mark among all draft-eligible Liiga skaters over the past five years. The three players above him were all top-20 picks, but the Devils were able to snag up Hämeenaho at the tail end of the second round.
Now, we're just a few weeks into the season, and Hämeenaho is already making a case for himself as a potential steal of the draft. Scoring in six of his first eight games of the regular season, he's emerged as Ässät's most lethal finisher and legitimate top-line fit on a middle-of-the-pack Liiga squad. Most of his goals have come in a very Hämeenaho-esque way, through smart off-puck movement, timing, and strong instincts in the net front.
Aside from the goal-scoring, Hämeenaho is looking like a more dangerous playmaker, too. He initiates contact through a reverse hit, uses the momentum to create separation and slips the puck to the slot for an open teammate. The increased confidence shines from his demeanour and willingness to take calculated risks with his passes. And he was already a capable defensive player last season, carrying a similar impact to this year, too.
What's next: While Hämeenaho is more effective than ever, his mechanical limitations haven't disappeared. He's still clearly a below-average skater in terms of his projection, and the inefficient posture also hurts his mobility and handling. He's a tad quicker than he was last season. Further skating and mechanical improvements would go a long way in improving his chances of one day making an impact in the NHL, but, if he keeps this up, the skating might not matter.
