Very productive in a men's league however you pin Liiga. And there is an immediate need for what he might become but that's a poor draft strategy.
I get the sentiment I really do. I just believe that the team would go in a different direction if this is the scenario that falls to them. And frankly I'm confused because we all talk about the same issues with the team but when June rolls around we somehow clutch to the same types of players. Kulich and Rosen may never be top 6 players not because their lack of skill but mindset and physicality.
We did well with the tier teetering high picks in the last few years but I want to swing for the fences if we're making this pick.
Before the TDL I thought we were all set...not great...but pretty secure at C, and had the time to wait on Ostlund and maybe an outside chance of Savoie becoming a C. Now it's the least reliable/predictable/deep position on the roster. That's a problem for a team that is supposedly turning a corner with higher expectations. Without KA having a proven track record at "win-now" trades, I have my doubts what he can do about it outside of the draft. So safely assuming they will again take BPA, Helenius is probably that guy and a top need...up there with MBN who I also would be happy to add.
Like
@Old Navy Goat said, he's not a soft player and isn't like Rosen, Kulich, Savoie (because they're most likely wingers in the NHL), and bigger than Ostlund and likely gets to a playing weight around 200. Knowing Levshunov will be long gone, I don't like any of the other D-men that will be left in the range of #11. There's no contradiction from my POV.