RD Ville Pokka (2012, 34th, NYI; traded to CHI)
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Eyelanders
Registered User
- Jan 9, 2011
- 422
- 4
Well, I have seen Pokka playing this year both in the Finnish Elite League and in the Jr. A. He has good size and nice puck skills; however, he needs to work on his skating a lot. Pokka doesn´t have the best mobility. But I do like his ability to read plays and his shot too. Sometimes he might have the puck too long on his stick. To me he is right now a second rounder, with a nice upside as a two-way defenseman.
Even with his not so impressive mobility he's been very solid in his own end, seems to position himself well. his movement reminds me of Jere Karalahti; Strong stride but somewhat limited mobility and speed, has good balance though. Good shot, including a hard onetimer. He's very calm with the puck and doesn't make mistakes too often. Has already been able to play an offensive game in the SM-liiga.
I think it was Tormentor that said that his mobility has improved from last year and that he's been slightly overweight, so you could guess that improved athleticism will help his mobility as well.
I think he could well be a 1st rounder by draft day. He's been playing very well with SM-liiga team Kärpät and averaged about 20 min of icetime /game. Kärpät has a lot of injuries though, so will remain seen if Pokka will manage to stay with the men's team for the whole year.
I think it was Tormentor that said that his mobility has improved from last year and that he's been slightly overweight, so you could guess that improved athleticism will help his mobility as well.
I think he could well be a 1st rounder by draft day. He's been playing very well with SM-liiga team Kärpät and averaged about 20 min of icetime /game. Kärpät has a lot of injuries though, so will remain seen if Pokka will manage to stay with the men's team for the whole year.
Just wanted to bump this as Pokka has been seen sneaking into the first round of some rankings. How has his play been of late? Is skating still his biggest issue?
Pokka’s movement has been improving and it’s not much of a hindrance in SM-liiga any more, he’s continuously working on it by doing pivot drills and such after practise sessions. The real question is how much he can further improve it and will it ever be enough for NHL. He’s only 6’0’’ tall and you won’t see him going for a bone crushing hit, but with competitive skating ability he could very well turn into a NHL defenseman, he definitely has the required smarts. Three years ago he was one of the chubbiest kids I’ve seen playing junior hockey and his skating was stiff to say the least, so thus far things have been improving immensely. From what I’ve heard he’s a hard working kid, so with the right guidance his physique and endurance should still improve some. Teams will probably be very interested about Pokka’s test results at the draft combine. Apparently Drew Doughty was in a somewhat similar situation 4 years ago.
Jack DiBiase
Team Iceland Coach
- Nov 15, 2008
- 2,455
- 106
I think his biggest flaw is the lack of any high end skill or attribute. He is average size, average skater, average puck handler, basically average in everything. While he has the potential to become a solid defenceman, like a Josh Gorges for example, there's just no much room in the NHL for guys that are just "solid". I would project him having a career similar to Mikko Lehtonen (b. 1978).
Definitely higher than average maturity, decision making, calmness, and hockey IQ all of which are very good traits for a defenseman. As a 17 year old defenseman still honing his physical skills I think he's got a good package to work with.
Jack DiBiase
Team Iceland Coach
- Nov 15, 2008
- 2,455
- 106
Definitely. I'm not saying he's not a good prospect. Just that I don't think the 1st round talks are very reasonable, considering he is still a low risk, low reward type of player.
What kind of role do you see for him in the NHL, if he reaches him maximum potential? I have a quite limited view of him, but I would expect a 2nd pair dman, with a some special team minutes, would be his upside.
As an Isles fan that is great to here, I expect him to be in Bridgeport next season. Anyone opinions on his upside?
Top 4d who can play both penalty kill and powerplay. Something between Matt Niskanen and Justin Faulk type of player.
e. His stats
Games Goals Assists Total points +/- Time on the ice/game
15 3 5 8 +7 22.19
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I'm pretty sure this is his last season in Finland.
As for his upside, it's hard to say. He's not the biggest or the most physical of players so it's difficult to predict how he will adjust for North American hockey. Kimmo Timonen plays a similar game and is even a bit smaller than Pokka, but it's still bit of a stretch...
Not really. He's good but not that smooth of a skater, very effective in everything he does. Good positioning, great first pass out of the zone and a heavy slapper. For some reason I find it kind of difficult to compare him to any other player. Well, somebody said Justin Faulk and I don't disagree completely.
helicecopter
Registered User
same for me.. Voynov maybe?
btw, having not seen him play this season yet, did he improve his skating agility?
Yes. Still has work to do in that department. But remembering how awful his skating was two years ago he's come a long way.
SI90
Registered User
Hes producing very well on the stat sheet...I really hope he countinues to work on his defense and skating to become a more complete defenseman The offensive IQ is there now he just has to round out his game...I hope to see him in NA next year...
I'm pretty sure he's coming over after this season, especially if he's consistent. At the moment he is a solid top3 D in a championship contender. Or in other words, pretty good.
blinkman360
Loyal Players Only
I think he'll skip right over Bridgeport, TBH. Especially if MacDonald walks. Even if he doesn't, I think the Isles will be looking to add another RHD, and I could easily see Pokka beating Pulock out for a spot. Pokka looks like the real deal.
Remix
Registered User
- Oct 22, 2013
- 83
- 22
Have watched a few Kärpät games this season and he has been solid atleast in those games. Stats look good and he leads the team with +7 and also racked up 8 points too.
I'd like to see him in Ahl next year and see how well he can play overseas.
I think he could very well develop into a steady top4 defenceman for the Isles.
I'd like to see him in Ahl next year and see how well he can play overseas.
I think he could very well develop into a steady top4 defenceman for the Isles.
FinPanda
Barkov Stanley cup champ!
Pokka was +32 in FEL this regular season and came first. And 54gp 6+21. Second on +- was teammate Lasse Kukkonen who had +22.
Hopefully the Islanders can sign him, I believe they have till the end of May or he goes back into the draft
