Dickinson 100%, Bonk 70%, Cowan 65% after the WJC and a few NHL games. But sadly can’t see how Halttunen finds his way back to us in London? He developed massively as the year progressed with the Knights last season. Long playoff run with pressure filled games. IMO he is a slam dunk in the AHL next season after maybe 6 games in the show to start off? Also can’t underestimate the optics as a GM of returning a kid to his OHL team when he is AHL eligible?
Let’s be honest, I am not certain Kasper Halttunen will be back. It’s not at all like a Filip Mesar situation. Halttunen can withstand the physical rigors of an AHL season. And he does have a scenario, where his elite shot will carry him to the NHL at some point. However even San Jose insiders consider him to be a 3rd or 4th line player.
Can that projection change, yes and I believe that can change with a junior season where he dominates. That means, can he put up 50 goals this season along Barkey and Julien?
For example look at Easton Cowan. People projected him in his draft year that he would pan out as a 3rd liner in the NHL. With a dominate junior season, people now project him to challenge as a top 6 NHL talent despite being picked later in the 1st round.
It’s all about changing your ceiling and sometimes another junior season can do that. Imagine Halttunen alongside Celebrini after Halttunen gains confidence and scores 50 in junior.
Also, keep in mind that Nurmi and Halttunen are good friends and Nurmi was recruited by Halttunen.