LW Kristian Vesalainen (2017, 24th, WPG)

[Esko6]

I think this guy will be a player. He is already playing in a good role in a team that is probably the best prospect incubator in the world.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

DraftBuzz Prelim rated #7 for 2017.

 

[QJL]

This kid looks good. I think he's a surefire top 10 pick. Looks like a young Rick Nash. He doesn't have quite the skill Nash did when he was young but the rest of his game is very comparable.

 

[Hammer Slammer]

 

[HockeyHistorian]

I have never really been that impressed by him, but some of these highlights show really promising flashes of his abilities, but then again, that's what highlights tend to do. I really liked his vision in some of these plays.

 

[JJTT]

I have never really been that impressed by him, but some of these highlights show really promising flashes of his abilities, but then again, that's what highlights tend to do. I really liked his vision in some of these plays.

He is just so young, having to play vs older players all the time. I'm sure the consistency will come over time. He has elite tools to be a very good player.

 

[mazmin]

He passes the eye test!

Looks a powerforward with playmaking skills not unlike Wheeler or Puljujarvi.

 

[Brian Fogarty]

Here's a recent interview piece from the 2016 NJEC:

http://www.hockeyprophets.com/index.php/60-njec-2016/189-njec-vesalainen

 

[fr9dd9]

CHL Goal

How did the CHL goal look? anyone who know?

 

[Erikfromfin]

How did the CHL goal look? anyone who know?

Empty netter at 2:24

 

[HockeyHistorian]

 

[Orvelo]

Any video?

 

[QJL]

Pretty excited to watch the uptick of chatter in this thread over the next 10 months.

 

[Opak]

EDIT:

My bad, this is a different exhibition match. Vesalainen did have an assist though, 11:07 and onwards.

 

[BB88]

Vesalainen getting praises from his coach,

http://www.iltalehti.fi/jaakiekko/2016090122248390_jk.shtml

"It's not just about goals, I like his way of training and getting ready for games, his passion for the game. He can become an amazing player says Rönnberg in Aftonbladen.

Article says Vesalainen is expected by many to be a top10 pick.

 

[OilTastic]

He's a hell of a prospect and another forward who'd look good on my Oilers, but I'm really hoping they take a d-man instead because I feel that they need just one more top end d-man in the system.

 

[Opak]

Any video?

THIS is the real highlight video of that match. Vesalainen goals at 10:50 and 31:56.

 

[93LEAFS]

THIS is the real highlight video of that match. Vesalainen goals at 10:50 and 31:56.

If this kid can carry this form into the season (and continue to have strong international showings), I could see him being a big mover. Seems to have a strong two-way game, with size and scoring instincts. Any chance he can get a consistent top 6 role? That seems to be very uncommon for a U-18 player in recent SHL history, looking at the numbers it would seem the last guy to get those type of minutes was Robert Nilsson.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

Any chance he can get a consistent top 6 role? That seems to be very uncommon for a U-18 player in recent SHL history, looking at the numbers it would seem the last guy to get those type of minutes was Robert Nilsson.

I'd say it's pretty unlikely. Frölunda is a competitive team who are going to come into the season with confidence after defeating Skelefteå (a dynasty here in Sweden) to win the SHL championship.

I don't know a lot about Vesalainen but it would seem unlikely for them to trust such a young kid with a top 6 role.

 

[VictorLustig]

I'd say it's pretty unlikely. Frölunda is a competitive team who are going to come into the season with confidence after defeating Skelefteå (a dynasty here in Sweden) to win the SHL championship.

I don't know a lot about Vesalainen but it would seem unlikely for them to trust such a young kid with a top 6 role.

He will play games in the top 6 for sure. Frölunda tend to spread their talent over 3 or 4 lines so I don't think it matters that much where he plays. Noticed that he's not even listed on the Frölunda J20 roster so he's definitely expected to play SHL hockey full time.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

He will play games in the top 6 for sure. Frölunda tend to spread their talent over 3 or 4 lines so I don't think it matters that much where he plays. Noticed that he's not even listed on the Frölunda J20 roster so he's definitely expected to play SHL hockey full time.

He'll probably get games on the top 6 but I think he'll play on the 3rd line the most

 

[Hagged]

He will play games in the top 6 for sure. Frölunda tend to spread their talent over 3 or 4 lines so I don't think it matters that much where he plays. Noticed that he's not even listed on the Frölunda J20 roster so he's definitely expected to play SHL hockey full time.

Sounds crazy that a full time SHL player could go outside the top10. Let alone if he plays himself as a regular in the top 6.

 

[93LEAFS]

Sounds crazy that a full time SHL player could go outside the top10. Let alone if he plays himself as a regular in the top 6.

If he's playing consistent top 9 minutes and does well internationally he will challenge for the top of the draft. We have a long road to the draft.

 

[Aahlstroem]

In CHL he has been playing games alongside Lundqvist and Wellman in what would be our first or second line.

 

[Gsus]

In CHL he has been playing games alongside Lundqvist and Wellman in what would be our first or second line.

That's good news. He for sure will get ice-time but having a TOP6 ice-time at this point could be huge for him. Really interesting to see how he does. This kid has come out of nowhere in a year to a TOP10 conversation for the draft. Some of us knew about him already but now he's getting the right recognition.