RW Lauri Pajuniemi - TPS Turku, Liiga (2018, 132nd, NYR)

[The Crypto Guy]

I never understand when people say this guy's upside is a third liner.

Because he doesn't have much going for him except his shot?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Not only a shooter.

 

[LiveLongandProspal]

Love to see it

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[Evgeny Oliker]

Seems like a late bloomer to me?

reminds me of another Ranger and Lauri:
Lauri Korpikoski

Fair comparison?

 

[CaptTennille]

Seems like a late bloomer to me?

reminds me of another Ranger and Lauri:
Lauri Korpikoski

Fair comparison?

Although I don't think Pajuniemi has the defensive acumen of Korpikoski, the skating and shot are definitely reminiscent. Pajuniemi definitely has the potential to be more of an offensive presence than Korp, but his play off the puck and how well it will translate is still anyones guess.

 

[JJTT]

Seems like a late bloomer to me?

reminds me of another Ranger and Lauri:
Lauri Korpikoski

Fair comparison?

Although I don't think Pajuniemi has the defensive acumen of Korpikoski, the skating and shot are definitely reminiscent. Pajuniemi definitely has the potential to be more of an offensive presence than Korp, but his play off the puck and how well it will translate is still anyones guess.

I just don't see it at all. Pajuniemi is a right handed sniper and Korpikoski is a left handed grinder. Other than their first name, I just don't see it.


All goals from last season, Korpikoski scored most of his goals from front the net while Pajuniemi sniped them.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think Pajuniemi is more than only a sniper. He’s also a good passer.

 

[Son of Petter]

I see an NHLer here, really similar highlight reel to Victor Olofsson before he came over to NA.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I see an NHLer here, really similar highlight reel to Victor Olofsson before he came over to NA.

I think thats the best comparison for his game. The main difference is that Olofsson shoots left and Pajuniemi shoots right.

 

[Son of Petter]

Totally, but shot is comparable, scores a lot off the half-wall, absolute rocket. Lots of similarities imo.

I think thats the best comparison for his game. The main difference is that Olofsson shoots left and Pajuniemi shoots right.

 

[Synergy27]

Something has got to give in the NYR prospect pool. This kid isn’t even a blip on the radar and he’s looking like a legit potential NHLer.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He had went a few games without a goal. I was worried.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

 

[EXTRAS]

What makes him better than puustinen?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What makes him better than puustinen?

He’s three inches taller. Puustinen is undersized, Pajuniemi isn’t. Pajuniemi also has a real elite calling card tool that’s going to get him to the NHL

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What if he's better than Kravtsov? They are about three months apart in age.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Sure has continues to develop, that's for sure. Last season was already amazing, but this season has taken steps forwards.

Already 11 goals, 20 points in just above 20 games (24) this season
He is +8 (highest of the TPS forwards), has 20 penalty minutes and team best 126 shots to boot.
His 5 pp goals also leads his team.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

What if he's better than Kravtsov? They are about three months apart in age.

Another terrible PB take.

 

[Synergy27]

What if he's better than Kravtsov? They are about three months apart in age.

What if he’s better than Lafreniere?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What if he’s better than Lafreniere?

Thats going to be a big problem.

I think Pajuniemi is our most underrated prospect, and one of the most underrated prospects in the league, but I really don't think his ceiling is any higher than good 2nd line winger/bad 1st line winger. If he becomes better than Lafreniere, we are talking about a 1OA that became a bust.

If he's better than Kravtsov, it's manageable. Not preferable because it'd probably be two straight years where we had a top 10 pick not pan out as expected (Andersson, Kravtsov), but I don't think the franchise's long-term success depends on Kravtsov becoming a top six winger.

I guess what I don't understand is why Pajuniemi isn't talked about as a guy who can help us immediately, but Kravtsov is. I know he plays in a weaker league, but he's nearly 1PPG (and more of a goal-scorer to begin with), and done this two seasons in a row. Am I missing something or shouldn't Pajuniemi have a good shot next year at 3RW?

 

[Synergy27]

Thats going to be a big problem.

I think Pajuniemi is our most underrated prospect, and one of the most underrated prospects in the league, but I really don't think his ceiling is any higher than good 2nd line winger/bad 1st line winger. If he becomes better than Lafreniere, we are talking about a 1OA that became a bust.

If he's better than Kravtsov, it's manageable. Not preferable because it'd probably be two straight years where we had a top 10 pick not pan out as expected (Andersson, Kravtsov), but I don't think the franchise's long-term success depends on Kravtsov becoming a top six winger.

I guess what I don't understand is why Pajuniemi isn't talked about as a guy who can help us immediately, but Kravtsov is. I know he plays in a weaker league, but he's nearly 1PPG (and more of a goal-scorer to begin with), and done this two seasons in a row. Am I missing something or shouldn't Pajuniemi have a good shot next year at 3RW?

Yeah, I’m honestly just fooling around. Someone above already got on you for the take, but it can totally end up happening.

I personally believe in Kravtsov. Many doubt that his “tricks”, particularly the five hole goals, will work against NHL competition. Hard to have that same take on Paj.

Even more ammo for the eventual trade that will need to happen in order to capitalize on all of these prospects.

 

[Bevans]

Another terrible PB take.

Have to admit I'm more excited by Pajuniemi than Kravstov.