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LW Kristian Vesalainen (2017, 24th, WPG)

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Got to showcase his skills at U18. He has good skating and size along with some nifty offensive skills, should fit well into Winnipeg's top-6 at some point.
 
He's at least two years away, and is likely going to be playing against pros in Europe next year. Wonder if he wouldn't be better served playing in North America and the AHL.
 
CorgisPer60 said:
He's at least two years away, and is likely going to be playing against pros in Europe next year. Wonder if he wouldn't be better served playing in North America and the AHL.
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He's not ready physically nor in other aspects against European pros, why would he be ready for AHL? Best to fill out in Europe and get ready. Canadian junior leagues are not a good option.
 
Jussi said:
He's not ready physically nor in other aspects against European pros, why would he be ready for AHL? Best to fill out in Europe and get ready. Canadian junior leagues are not a good option.
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AHL is a similar level of hockey (Maybe a tad lower than the Swedish league) but he'd learn the North American style. I'd keep him in Sweden for a year at least though
 
Jets scouts are pretty good. And I found Grant McCagg's comments very interesting. Another big skilled Finn for the Jets.
 
Steal of the first round in my opinion, ceiling is insanely high with Vesalainen, just have to wait and see if he will be able to put everything together.
 
I'm happy that the Jets got him, the Finnish invasion in Winnipeg continues :naughty:.

I hope Vesalainen's next season will be better than the previous one, I regained my hope in him after hearing how poorly Frölunda treated him and seeing him in the U18 tournament. A great pick!
 
I think he's Joel Armia 2.0. Don't see anything more than a 3rd liner there. Controversial opinion I guess.
 
Zaddy Zads said:
I think he's Joel Armia 2.0. Don't see anything more than a 3rd liner there. Controversial opinion I guess.
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Armia had 19 goals in his draft year in FEL. Vesalainen had 2 goals in 36 games in FEL/SHL.

Vesalainen is a project, it will take him at least three years to be in NHL. For Jets sake I hope he improves a lot so they can use him as trade chip later.
 
KingJoffrey said:
Armia had 19 goals in his draft year in FEL. Vesalainen had 2 goals in 36 games in FEL/SHL.

Vesalainen is a project, it will take him at least three years to be in NHL. For Jets sake I hope he improves a lot so they can use him as trade chip later.
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Which doesn't exactly speak to Vesalainens advantage. Production aside, I think their toolsets are pretty similar and both seem to lack the high-end vision and IQ that you need to be a top6 player in the NHL.
 
Zaddy Zads said:
I think he's Joel Armia 2.0. Don't see anything more than a 3rd liner there. Controversial opinion I guess.
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His skating should help on that. I think that he's a safe bet to be a 3rd liner, with potential for much much more but he's not quaranteed to reach that.
I like his size, skating and hands.

Ehlers- Scheifele- Laine
Connor- Little- Wheeler
Perreault- Roslovic- Armia
Vesalainen- Lowry- Dano
Copp.
Jets are building one helluva forward group.
 
Solid pick, was a big fan of his this year.

Finns have some huge players coming up.
 
I'm still wondering how a guy who has a decently high floor and an insane ceiling was there for us at 24. I didn't believe for a second that he would make it past Calgary at 16.

The guy needs time to fill out his body and get accustomed to producing against men. I reckon it's for the better that he stays in Europe for a season or two, before making the jump to North America.
 
tbcwpg said:
AHL is a similar level of hockey (Maybe a tad lower than the Swedish league) but he'd learn the North American style. I'd keep him in Sweden for a year at least though
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He signed with HPK in Finland, they have half a dozen NHL prospects on the roster for next season with great young coach. Should be a much better place for Vesalainen than riding the bus in AHL
 
I think what kept this kid in the 1st round was the u18's showing he had. He really dominated there. Look at the list of MVP's from the U18's tournament and just look at the eilte territory in that group. Hope his development goes smoothly for you guys.
 
JJTT said:
He signed with HPK in Finland, they have half a dozen NHL prospects on the roster for next season with great young coach. Should be a much better place for Vesalainen than riding the bus in AHL
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I agree, let him play a full year in Liiga and see where he's at after that.
 
I just don't see it, but only seen him play a few times. Watched him thinking I want Toronto to pick him at 17, but was really turned off by his game. Reminds me a bit of watching Tyler Biggs back in the day.
 
The Jets have a history of picking HFBoards darlings who have slipped in the first round (Ehlers, Connor, Veselainen, Morrissey). It's uncanny
 
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