WC: Team Finland 2022 roster talk

[Nate070]

Kupari-Manninen-Heponiemi
M.Aaltonen-Räty-Komarov
Maccelli-Filppula-Ojamäki
Mäenalanen-Björninen-Anttila ( He´s getting older and has a family, could need a rest. Has already both WC and OG gold on his neck).
Valtteri Puustinen, Ruotsalainen, Ranta

I mean why not? Jalonen will build a good team no matter what, but It would be fun to see someone new in the team, a hungry youngster. I Remember Kakko were great, Tolvanen as well. We shouldn't underestimate a talented young player if he's having a good season and the confidence is on top. If there is a role for him to fill that is.
Lehtonen is another example of this, he was good this tournament but a whole other beast when we won the 2019 gold. Form or whatever, I have a feeling he had some huge confidence and that showed when he played. Every single thing looked easy for him back then. Should always consider confidence.
Hartikainen probably won't be participating and I was not satisfied with Markus Granlunds performance. I do believe we have some more feisty players to complete a line with Manninen.

I mean I´m not just picking someone out of the blue. For an example, Koivula has been good this year as well. But I don't think he would suit Jalonens system that well. He has size and somewhat skill but when I have seen him he hasn't had that high intensity or skating ability to be good enough. It's not just numbers and stats, just want to make that clear.

I loved Vaakanainen-Jokiharju when they played together at the WJC´s. Real good chemistry and they were truly excellent together and stood out the whole tournament.
Otherwise, why not Vaakanainen-Laaksonen. If (Vaakanainen would be able to participate that is).
Well, let me put down some potential, fun and exciting pairs down below.

Lehtonen-Jokiharju
Määttä-Niemelä
Ohtamaa-Laaksonen
Salo-Pokka
Välimäki?
Friman-Saarijärvi
Lindbohm-Kaski

I´m missing some defensive strength there perhaps, would want another Ohtamaa or something, right handed for Lehtonen.
I like D´s like Lehtonen, Salo, Laaksonen, Niemelä, and also Saarijärvi but... The three latter ones, especially Laaksonen and Saarijärvi would need a stable and defensive minded D with them. Not that easy to decide in my opinion. A bit easier with the forwards.
I mean neither Laaksonen, Saarijärvi and probably Niemelä would suit Lehtonen. Not Kaski either. I would love to see Niemelä get a big role and I actually do believe he would have been good but only with a Ohtamaa or defensive minded D on his side. I don't see Ohtamaa in a first pair and therefor it becomes a bit difficult. Määttä-Niemelä perhaps? Määttä-Laaksonen?

Who would you guys want to see as D´s if you wanted to see someone new introduced in the lineup?

Hmm, don´t you expect more NHL players to join for a home tournament?

 

[Svedu]

Hmm, don´t you expect more NHL players to join for a home tournament?

You have a point. Hopefully, but with NHL you never know. I don't trust NHL-organizations, Bettman etc.
Still, I wouldn't mind players like Maccelli, Kupari, Heponiemi, Niemelä, even if we got some NHL players. As long as there is that typical Jalonen balance.

 

[Nate070]

You have a point. Hopefully, but with NHL you never know. I don't trust NHL-organizations, Bettman etc.
Still, I wouldn't mind players like Maccelli, Kupari, Heponiemi, Niemelä, even if we got some NHL players. As long as there is that typical Jalonen balance.

Yeah, always fun with some youngsters but i believe because it´s a home championship we will go all in with the best team possible. Let´s see which teams are out of the play-offs! Dallas is a possibility..

 

[Mestaruus]

Kupari-Manninen-Heponiemi
M.Aaltonen-Räty-Komarov
Maccelli-Filppula-Ojamäki
Mäenalanen-Björninen-Anttila ( He´s getting older and has a family, could need a rest. Has already both WC and OG gold on his neck).
Valtteri Puustinen, Ruotsalainen, Ranta, Rajala, Ruohomaa, Björkqvist?

I mean why not? Jalonen will build a good team no matter what, but It would be fun to see someone new in the team, a hungry youngster. I Remember Kakko were great, Tolvanen as well. We shouldn't underestimate a talented young player if he's having a good season and the confidence is on top. If there is a role for him to fill that is.
Lehtonen is another example of this, he was good this tournament but a whole other beast when we won the 2019 gold. Form or whatever, I have a feeling he had some huge confidence and that showed when he played. Every single thing looked easy for him back then. Should always consider confidence.
Hartikainen probably won't be participating and I was not satisfied with Markus Granlunds performance. I do believe we have some more feisty players to complete a line with Manninen.

I mean I´m not just picking someone out of the blue. For an example, Koivula has been good this year as well. But I don't think he would suit Jalonens system that well. He has size and somewhat skill but when I have seen him he hasn't had that high intensity or skating ability to be good enough. It's not just numbers and stats, just want to make that clear.

I loved Vaakanainen-Jokiharju when they played together at the WJC´s. Real good chemistry and they were truly excellent together and stood out the whole tournament.
Otherwise, why not Vaakanainen-Laaksonen. If (Vaakanainen would be able to participate that is).
Well, let me put down some potential, fun and exciting pairs down below.

Lehtonen-Jokiharju
Määttä-Niemelä
Ohtamaa-Laaksonen
Salo-Pokka
Välimäki?
Friman-Saarijärvi
Lindbohm-Kaski

I´m missing some defensive strength there perhaps, would want another Ohtamaa or something, right handed for Lehtonen.
I like D´s like Lehtonen, Salo, Laaksonen, Niemelä, and also Saarijärvi but... The three latter ones, especially Laaksonen and Saarijärvi would need a stable and defensive minded D with them. Not that easy to decide in my opinion. A bit easier with the forwards.
I mean neither Laaksonen, Saarijärvi and probably Niemelä would suit Lehtonen. Not Kaski either. I would love to see Niemelä get a big role and I actually do believe he would have been good but only with a Ohtamaa or defensive minded D on his side. I don't see Ohtamaa in a first pair and therefor it becomes a bit difficult. Määttä-Niemelä perhaps? Määttä-Laaksonen?

Who would you guys want to see as D´s if you wanted to see someone new introduced in the lineup?

LA Kings are still battling hard for the playoff spot. They would go to the playoffs if it gets locked now. Perhaps a first round exit but in that case I'm not sure about Kupari. I'd probably only go for bigger upgrades and trust on the core of recent WHCs Olympics & WHC. Määttä would be a nice addition though. He performs well under Jalonen.

 

[FiLe]

I doubt we'll see a team with a ton of up-and-coming names. Some young players may well feature, but they'll have to be ones with enough time to join the team for some preliminaries - so someone like Niemelä could well get a camp invite and then it's up to him to distinguish himself enough to break the final roster. However, if there are some fringe NHLers or young AHL guns who might technically become available by being eliminated a week or less before the puck drop, Jalonen won't take a shot at them if the practice game window has already closed - especially if it would mean clearing out some of his familiars.

What they will undoubtedly do is see if any established names get eliminated from the first round. For example, if Florida happens to stumble in the first round and Barkov wants to take the opportunity to play in his hometown, of course they'll want to keep that possibility open as long as they can.

If we look at the potential big names who might not make the playoffs, I'd say Hintz looks like a likely yes. It'd be a hometown tournament for him too. And he might just drag the rest of the Dallas cohort with him. Regarding yet another hometown hero Laine, I recommend waiting and seeing, as he's on a bit volatile ground right now. While he's technically without a contract, he's still guaranteed at least one that gives him an additional year with the same salary he makes now. Laine's odds of joining actually depend more on Jarmo Kekäläinen than Laine himself, at least for the time being - as right now any possibility is open: Keklu might kick the can down the road and extend Laine for that year, he may offer a multi-year contract, or he might trade him - and it'll likely be a contender in such a case. So I wouldn't pencil Laine into the lineup before the trade deadline.

From Europe, any players from the olympic team who'll want to join will likely be given high preference, especially in the absence of an influx of established NHLers. And the next tier in importanve will likely be the other Jalonen familiars.

Regarding goalies, I'd say that if Säteri wants to join, he'll likely be given the starter job even if there are also NHL names available - sans for the scenario in which Nashville bows out early. The same might apply for Olkinuora. Not that there are many names from overseas who might be available in the first place. Now, two curious cases, if available, might be Lankinen and Korpisalo - both pending UFAs, but both also not in a great negotiating position. However, out of those two it's almost a given that Korpisalo won't be availaible - as he's 100% getting traded before the deadline. Elvis won the race for Columbus' starter, so Korpi will walk in the summer - and Jarmo won't be letting him go with no return at all, even if it's just a seventh round pick and a bag of pucks. Lanks might be a different story, since Chicago's goalie situation looks wide open with MAF likely retiring. Of course, if someone wants to rent Kevin, I don't see why they'd say no.

Won't be drawing any lineups, but here's a list of some potentially available players I could see Jalonen building this team out of:

Goalies:
Lankinen
Säteri
Olkinuora
Tuohimaa

Only listing those with a chance to make it between the pipes. For third string, someone like Heljanko or Westerholm might also well make it. (Of course, the situation might change if our euro usual suspects find themselves satiated after the OG.)

D-men:
Heiskanen
Lindell
Hakanpää
Jokiharju
Hatakka
Vatanen
Lehtonen
Lindbohm
Kemiläinen
Pokka
Kaski
Ohtamaa
Friman
Koivisto
Honka
Niemelä

Centers:
Hintz
Manninen
Filppula
Aaltonen
Björninen
Kemppainen
Nättinen
Kossila
Ruohomaa

Wingers:
Donskoi
Kiviranta
Armia
Kuokkanen
Borgström
MaG
Hartikainen
Pakarinen
Pesonen
Ojamäki
Rajala
Mäenalanen
Anttila
Savinainen
Levtchi
Karjalainen
Turunen

 

[Mestaruus]

I doubt we'll see a team with a ton of up-and-coming names. Some young players may well feature, but they'll have to be ones with enough time to join the team for some preliminaries - so someone like Niemelä could well get a camp invite and then it's up to him to distinguish himself enough to break the final roster. However, if there are some fringe NHLers or young AHL guns who might technically become available by being eliminated a week or less before the puck drop, Jalonen won't take a shot at them if the practice game window has already closed - especially if it would mean clearing out some of his familiars.

What they will undoubtedly do is see if any established names get eliminated from the first round. For example, if Florida happens to stumble in the first round and Barkov wants to take the opportunity to play in his hometown, of course they'll want to keep that possibility open as long as they can.

If we look at the potential big names who might not make the playoffs, I'd say Hintz looks like a likely yes. It'd be a hometown tournament for him too. And he might just drag the rest of the Dallas cohort with him. Regarding yet another hometown hero Laine, I recommend waiting and seeing, as he's on a bit volatile ground right now. While he's technically without a contract, he's still guaranteed at least one that gives him an additional year with the same salary he makes now. Laine's odds of joining actually depend more on Jarmo Kekäläinen than Laine himself, at least for the time being - as right now any possibility is open: Keklu might kick the can down the road and extend Laine for that year, he may offer a multi-year contract, or he might trade him - and it'll likely be a contender in such a case. So I wouldn't pencil Laine into the lineup before the trade deadline.

From Europe, any players from the olympic team who'll want to join will likely be given high preference, especially in the absence of an influx of established NHLers. And the next tier in importanve will likely be the other Jalonen familiars.

Regarding goalies, I'd say that if Säteri wants to join, he'll likely be given the starter job even if there are also NHL names available - sans for the scenario in which Nashville bows out early. The same might apply for Olkinuora. Not that there are many names from overseas who might be available in the first place. Now, two curious cases, if available, might be Lankinen and Korpisalo - both pending UFAs, but both also not in a great negotiating position. However, out of those two it's almost a given that Korpisalo won't be availaible - as he's 100% getting traded before the deadline. Elvis won the race for Columbus' starter, so Korpi will walk in the summer - and Jarmo won't be letting him go with no return at all, even if it's just a seventh round pick and a bag of pucks. Lanks might be a different story, since Chicago's goalie situation looks wide open with MAF likely retiring. Of course, if someone wants to rent Kevin, I don't see why they'd say no.

Won't be drawing any lineups, but here's a list of some potentially available players I could see Jalonen building this team out of:

Goalies:
Lankinen
Säteri
Olkinuora
Tuohimaa

Only listing those with a chance to make it between the pipes. For third string, someone like Heljanko or Westerholm might also well make it. (Of course, the situation might change if our euro usual suspects find themselves satiated after the OG.)

D-men:
Heiskanen
Lindell
Hakanpää
Jokiharju
Hatakka
Vatanen
Lehtonen
Lindbohm
Pokka
Kaski
Ohtamaa
Friman
Koivisto
Honka
Niemelä

Centers:
Hintz
Manninen
Filppula
Aaltonen
Björninen
Kemppainen
Nättinen
Kossila
Ruohomaa

Wingers:
Donskoi
Kiviranta
Armia
Kuokkanen
Borgström
MaG
Hartikainen
Pakarinen
Pesonen
Ojamäki
Rajala
Mäenalanen
Anttila
Savinainen
Levtchi
Karjalainen
Turunen

Not sure about Lankinen. He hasn't impressed this season. He's a national hero yes, but Säteri gets to play a lot of games at the moment in KHL. If Säteri or Olkinuora gets injured then that would change things. I think that the 3rd goalie will again be someone with lower status so to speak. Tuohimaa seems like a good locker room guy so why not him.

I'm not sold on Dallas getting an early playoff exit and they will probably get a wild card spot minimum. Nashville & LA Kings are currently at the wild card spots. Dallas is only 3 points away with 1 less game played. Dallas' team is stacked with good forwards and D-men, so they have the roster to pull off that playoff spot. Colorado and Dallas on first playoff round is a possibility and I don't see it impossible for Dallas to take Colorado out. We could get Rantanen then but if Canada would get MacKinnon, Kadri and Makar as a result of that it would be pretty damn scary.

It's another topic but I just want to mention that the WHC will be played on small rink and that might give Canadian players some more interest than usual to join and they know that Finland will host this tournament well, because Finland is always a good tournament host. There will also be many Canadian tourists. I think that covid isn't that big fear when it's early summer then. I expect Canada to be loaded with good players. Canada also might want to prove a point on Olympic year that they are the best. If some of their best players are out of the playoffs, there won't be declines from the likes of McDavid. The disappointment of canceled Olympics for NHL players will make Canada's best players want to represent their country. So that in mind Finland better get some luck with some of our star players getting playoff exits. We are going to need them in that small rink. If we can't get our star players, then as File said it's better to go with Jalonen familiars and not risk anything with some borderline upgrades in my opinion.

This tournament will be an amazing spectacle with no crowd restrictions. Finally ice hockey will be back on full force on international ice as well.

 

[FiLe]

Not sure about Lankinen. He hasn't impressed this season. He's a national hero yes, but Säteri gets to play a lot of games at the moment in KHL. If Säteri or Olkinuora gets injured then that would change things.

Did you miss the point where I practically said that Säteri/Olkinuora will likely take preference over any NHL goalie sans Saros? If Lankinen shows up, his best initial outlook is the designated backup with a chance to battle for the starter job. The lists I made are not in the order of preference - I simply put the potential overseas additions up top.

I'm not sold on Dallas getting an early playoff exit and they will probably get a wild card spot minimum.

Dallas is right below the line and may still make it in, yes. But I did use conditionals here. And since they're more or less the only club teetering on the cusp that might provide some decent additions, it's reason enough to include its players into the speculations. Also, I really don't see Dallas getting a seeded position - they're trailing Central's present third-place team St. Louis by 8 points.

All in all, though, it's somewhat early to speculate with the truly big fishes, as the trade deadline may throw some curve balls into these musings. Although, apart from Laine, whom I already covered, there aren't that many pieces that might entice any playoff run teams. I could see Kraken maybe willing to trade Donskoi if provided a decent return (a player of slightly lesser caliber + picks to build the future), but otherwise most of the names who might be available are probably going to stay where they are.

Also, the first round playoff bracket may provide some advantageous matchups. For example, even if Dallas gets into a wild card position, they could well end up facing Colorado. And if not Dallas, then Nashville might find themselves in that position.

 

[Mestaruus]

Did you miss the point where I practically said that Säteri/Olkinuora will likely take preference over any NHL goalie sans Saros? If Lankinen shows up, his best initial outlook is the designated backup with a chance to battle for the starter job. The lists I made are not in the order of preference - I simply put the potential overseas additions up top.

I didn't think that list was in order of preference. I just doubt that they would even ask Lankinen, unless injuries happen. If we got Säteri and Olkinuora then they have earned the right to play. Finland kind of owes them that. I agree about Saros being the only threat for Säteri/Olkinuora along with Husso. Husso does have contract negotiations though and an important contract with a huge pay raise is coming and his team is good so seems unlikely that we will get him.

As for Dallas topic, well yeah it's one way to check and use some players as place holders and see how many players might come from the NHL in the end. As you said there are usually some Finn vs Finn battles in SC playoffs that will guarantee some playoff exit players that could potentially join team Finland.

That seems actually quite locked that the current division leaders of Central and Pacific are running away. Calgary is leading one and has played 2-3 less games than the next placed teams. Also Colorado is running away from Calgary big time.

It looks to be:
Colorado vs lower placed wild card team
Calgary vs higher placed wild card team

Two of these teams will most likely get the wild card spots. Finns in each except Vegas:
Edmonton
Vegas
Nashville
Los Angeles
Dallas

I'm feeling that Edmonton, Los Angeles and Nashville won't go far. Dallas is stronger or has higher potential than the others. Vegas has been rather good in the playoffs in the recent years as well.

That would free up:
Saros
Mikael Granlund
Puljujärvi
Määttä

I wouldn't take Kupari nor Koskinen probably. Not so sure about Tolvanen either. I don't think those guys would give significant upgrades to the team assuming that we get many of the Olympic team players again.

So in the scenario where Dallas would survive 2 playoff rounds, it could be something like:

Laine-Mi.Granlund-Puljujärvi
Hartikainen/Ma.Granlund-Manninen-Komarov/Ma.Granlund
Donskoi-Filppula-Pakarinen
Mäenalanen-Björninen-Anttila

Lehtonen-Jokiharju
Vatanen-x
Määttä-x
Ohtamaa-Pokka

Saros
Säteri
Olkinuora

I wouldn't mind a Granny brothers line if both Hartikainen and Manninen wouldn't be coming. In that case I'd reconsider Kupari for a center position as well. Something like that to start with and then wait for few more stars or even superstars from playoff round 2 to join.

 

[FiLe]

Puljujärvi

is a pending RFA, and looking for a pretty big raise.

Määttä

is a pending UFA. Although he belongs to those who aren't looking at a raise. But for obvious reasons it's easier for skaters to find employment than goalies, so he probably won't show unless he thinks his goose in the NHL is cooked.


Also, I would gladly take Tolvanen if he was available.

 

[David OSullivan]

Surprised no one else is taking Thomson. He s made huge strides this year. Im inclined to take him over Niemela as he is more physically mature. I really liked what I ve seen of him this year

I still would hope Macelli at least gets a shot at camp. His Ahl season is incredible although I confess I ve not seen him play this season. He is not terrible defensively. I'd put him with Hintz and Armia so that line has loads of physicality still and bring out the best of Macelli.

I would want both above but can understand if they don't make Jalonen s choice.

Kuokkanen surely will make it unless a ton of NHL talent comes. Every game I see him he is making impact on the ice. Not showing on points but he is so often the last person to touch the puck before points. Also defensively great. He is one I would say is playing far better than his points suggest.

Of course Jalonen could stick with his faves.

Personally would like to see a bit of freshening up just to see something a little different but with hopefully the same outcome

 

[FiLe]

Surprised no one else is taking Thomson.

Thomson's problem is that he is something we're not in a grave need of - a righty puckmover. Got a plenty of that in Europe - Vatanen, Kemiläinen, Kaski, Honka... possibly Hietanen, too, but he might be done after the olympics. And we can add Jokiharju as a potential established NHL addition. Of course, if Jalonen sees him worthy of a camp invite, I wouldn't protest.

I still would hope Macelli at least gets a shot at camp.

Now Maccelli is a name I wouldn't mind at all seeing at camp. And given that neither Arizona nor his AHL team Tucson is getting anywhere near the playoffs, he might even be released early for an extended look - the Coyotes could be nothing but happy to see him get a chance to play for bigger things.

 

[Svedu]

Surprised no one else is taking Thomson. He s made huge strides this year. Im inclined to take him over Niemela as he is more physically mature. I really liked what I ve seen of him this year

I still would hope Macelli at least gets a shot at camp. His Ahl season is incredible although I confess I ve not seen him play this season. He is not terrible defensively. I'd put him with Hintz and Armia so that line has loads of physicality still and bring out the best of Macelli.

I would want both above but can understand if they don't make Jalonen s choice.

Kuokkanen surely will make it unless a ton of NHL talent comes. Every game I see him he is making impact on the ice. Not showing on points but he is so often the last person to touch the puck before points. Also defensively great. He is one I would say is playing far better than his points suggest.

Of course Jalonen could stick with his faves.

Personally would like to see a bit of freshening up just to see something a little different but with hopefully the same outcome

Interesting thoughts. Kuokkanen is an underrated stud for sure.
Regarding Thomson it's a big no-no for me. He's been so bad in the Leijonat jersey and I actually don't trust him to handle the home pressure. Physically mature or not, I do trust Niemeläs smartness more. I trust you when claiming that Thomson has become better but everything else would be a complete disaster.
I rather see Laaksonen from the AHL before Thomson as well. No, for me Thomson wouldn't even be close.

The thing with Thomson is that I believe he could have a decent NHL-career but if something radical doesn't change I don't believe a coach like Jalonen would trust him. Puck mover, offensive strengths or not, it's his decision making. Last time I saw him he's understanding of the game was nothing else than horrendous.

 

[David OSullivan]

Interesting thoughts. Kuokkanen is an underrated stud for sure.
Regarding Thomson it's a big no-no for me. He's been so bad in the Leijonat jersey and I actually don't trust him to handle the home pressure. Physically mature or not, I do trust Niemeläs smartness more. I trust you when claiming that Thomson has become better but everything else would be a complete disaster.
I rather see Laaksonen from the AHL before Thomson as well. No, for me Thomson wouldn't even be close.

The thing with Thomson is that I believe he could have a decent NHL-career but if something radical doesn't change I don't believe a coach like Jalonen would trust him. Puck mover, offensive strengths or not, it's his decision making. Last time I saw him he's understanding of the game was nothing else than horrendous.

Thomson is making strides though especially defensively. He looks far far better. But I do understand where you are coming from. His poor WJC and subsequent few seasons are fresh in the mind. Until this season I would never consider him but he looks a new player this season. If not this WC because of all the options, don't write him off as part of future Finnish D just yet.

 

[Mestaruus]

Surprised no one else is taking Thomson. He s made huge strides this year. Im inclined to take him over Niemela as he is more physically mature. I really liked what I ve seen of him this year

I still would hope Macelli at least gets a shot at camp. His Ahl season is incredible although I confess I ve not seen him play this season. He is not terrible defensively. I'd put him with Hintz and Armia so that line has loads of physicality still and bring out the best of Macelli.

I would want both above but can understand if they don't make Jalonen s choice.

Kuokkanen surely will make it unless a ton of NHL talent comes. Every game I see him he is making impact on the ice. Not showing on points but he is so often the last person to touch the puck before points. Also defensively great. He is one I would say is playing far better than his points suggest.

Of course Jalonen could stick with his faves.

Personally would like to see a bit of freshening up just to see something a little different but with hopefully the same outcome

Robin Salo also belongs to that group of young D-men who didn't get a permanent spot in the NHL yet. Nobody wrote Thomson off. He's good but there are so many other options now. If he gets a practice camp spot, sure he should come show what he got to Jalonen.

Kuokkanen and Armia maybe but soon we don't have spots for the Olympic gold medal team's forwards and I personally really want some of them to play in that home WHC.

Personally I don't like loading the team full of OK'ish NHL players even if they are as individuals a bit better than our previous Olympic gold squad. I know and I hope that Jalonen will choose the players that he trusts the most and I also hope that he adds only players that add significant improvements to the team, players who are star players in the NHL. It sounds like the best recipe for success. We do need to get lucky regarding the NHL playoffs and to get some of our best NHL players because I got a feeling that Canada and some other teams will be loaded with good players. We have some chemistry advantages that lead the team to gold and we shouldn't just throw that advantage away.

 

[Mestaruus]

is a pending RFA, and looking for a pretty big raise.

is a pending UFA. Although he belongs to those who aren't looking at a raise. But for obvious reasons it's easier for skaters to find employment than goalies, so he probably won't show unless he thinks his goose in the NHL is cooked.


Also, I would gladly take Tolvanen if he was available.

I will predict that some players who are not Laine will surprise us and join the team regardless of their tricky contract statuses. This is a twice in a life time opportunity to play at home . It might be as special as playing in best on best Olympics for them.

Tolvanen has improved his two way play and Nashville's coach sees that and trusts him but he's not scoring enough. 47 gp, 16 points is not enough for someone who gets steady PP minutes, I believe sometimes even in their first PP unit, but maybe F.Forsberg took that spot after he came back from his injury. Kudos to Tolvanen for staying on the plus side of +/-. Different role for Armia but I like Armia the most out of Tolvanen, Kuokkanen and Armia. I want to leave some slots open for our Olympic gold forwards, so I prefer significant upgrades to the team. I might be crazy for thinking about leaving Armia out because he didn't have a great season, because he has been a good player for years. I'm not sure about him. Depends how many of those other forwards will come.

One question is that would new players be hungrier than the guys who already won Olympic gold. I'd just hate it if we would get QF exit with mostly new players and then I'd have to wonder, what if we trusted the core of the Olympic gold team more.

 

[Mestaruus]

Säteri
Olkinuora
Metsola
Manninen
Hartikainen
Markus Granlund
Jokipakka
and more...

Some of them were strong candidates for the WHC team. They all left their KHL teams and I don't know what happens with them now because they wouldn't get to play almost any games from this moment until the WHC tournament. Most likely many of them don't want to join with that delay from the games and also without future contracts and some of them maybe shouldn't be invited for lack of games & being rusty.

So I don't know what happens next regarding building the team for the WHC. My hope was to use the Olympic gold team's core as a base and then add in significant NHL players, but now it's just best to get all of the best NHL individuals we can get.

Then there is another factor. Some players didn't leave their KHL teams yet and they might stay there. It has been speculated that Russia might close it's borders so no one between the age of 18-55 can't leave or enter Russia and that includes foreigners. Then that might become a problem for guys like Pokka, Kaski, Komarov, Lehtonen and Kemppainen for example.

One more factor. Usually it hasn't been a big issue when players who played in Europe or KHL don't have contracts, but next season will be so contested of contracts around European leagues because non Russian KHL players need to find teams that the players whose contracts end now maybe don't want to join for WHC. So as a result of that there might be more declines than usual for WHC. It's however the home tournament for Finnish players, so maybe some of them will risk their contracts. The players don't get many chances to play WHC at home during their careers.

Luckily we had some good players returning to Liiga now.

This is what I got. We'll prob see most of these players in that team. It should look quite good once we get some dropouts from NHL playoff round 1.

Laine-x-Donskoi
Armia-x-Maccelli
Pesonen-Filppula-Pakarinen
Mäenalanen-Björninen-Anttila

Vatanen-Jokiharju
O.Leskinen-Hietanen
x-x
Ohtamaa-x

Goalies??? It might become an issue. Have to pray that one of Koskinen, Raanta or Saros drops out. Lankinen played so little this season so I'm counting out our 2019 hero sadly .

I left some space for NHL guys. Turunen, Innala, Rajala, Savinainen if we can't get many NHL players. Topi Niemelä maybe? More size on the defensive end is maybe needed though. Ristolainen will probably head to golfing @ Bahamas once Philadelphia's season is done.

I'm unsure if Friman found a team yet. I'd add him to the roster list. Same thing with Ojamäki, Kivistö, Kemiläinen.

Maccelli for sure will be there. I remember how Jalonen loved him during the EHT tournament few years ago. Given that he's been really effective point production wise in the AHL (3rd in points in AHL) and he just got his NHL debut. I think that he will be there.

 

[FiLe]

One more factor. Usually it hasn't been a big issue when players who played in Europe or KHL don't have contracts, but next season will be so contested of contracts around European leagues because non Russian KHL players need to find teams that the players whose contracts end now maybe don't want to join for WHC.

I see this as a non-issue. Players of that caliber can easily find employment in Sweden and Switzerland, whether it's as healthy players from the start of season or joining later after recovering from injuries. The lack of games for those who decided to flee Russia is a problem, though.

Goalies??? It might become an issue.

The worst case scenario (and it's not really even that bad, everything's relative) is looking at a top Liiga goalie like Heljanko or Laurikainen. SHL also features a pair of decent-looking netminders in Kaskisuo and Vehviläinen.

I'm unsure if Friman found a team yet.

He's with HPK now. Already played last night.

 

[Mestaruus]

The worst case scenario (and it's not really even that bad, everything's relative) is looking at a top Liiga goalie like Heljanko or Laurikainen. SHL also features a pair of decent-looking netminders in Kaskisuo and Vehviläinen.

He's with HPK now. Already played last night.

Vehviläinen. I hope not. I still don't trust him since his bad U20 showing. National team is a different kind of pressure cooker than club team's playoff situation in my opinion and some players can't take it. Well it's just my opinion.

It's great to hear about Friman getting games. He looked good in the Olympics and should be locked to be in the WHC team.

Actually I think what will happen is that at least one of Säteri or Olkinuora will be in the WHC team despite of the lack of games. They will try to get at least one of them some EHT games and other practice games. I don't know if the end result will be so good though if one of them is a starter for the tournament. Has the trade window closed for SHL & NLA/Swiss League yet I wonder?

I forgot to mention Joonas Nättinen and Miro Aaltonen in the previous post. I'm unsure about their KHL status. Free agents or not?

 

[Lartsaman]

Goalies??? It might become an issue. Have to pray that one of Koskinen, Raanta or Saros drops out. Lankinen played so little this season so I'm counting out our 2019 hero sadly .

Its not an issue. Säteri and Olkinuora is a fine tandem if they want to play. If they decline we are in trouble, Every possible nhl goalie not reaching playoffs is RFA after this season.

Many finnish nhl-players have their contract ending after this season so I doubt they take a risk. Even if its home tournament.

 

[FiLe]

Vehviläinen. I hope not. I still don't trust him since his bad U20 showing. National team is a different kind of pressure cooker than club team's playoff situation in my opinion and some players can't take it. Well it's just my opinion.

I think making Vehviläinen still carry his U20 stigma after all these years is, frankly, moronic. So all I can say is that I'm thankful it's not you or I making that call, but Jalonen. (Even though, ironically, it was Jalonen himself giving Vehviläinen too much rope in 2016, leading to his questionable reputation.)

This being said, I won't call Vehviläinen as the sudden frontrunner if all of our established names decline or are unavailable for whatever reason. But I do trust that we will have a competent goalie between the pipes no matter what the name is - especially after a freaking ECHL/AHL goalie came out of nowhere and backstopped Finland to a WC Gold a couple of years ago. (Well, he had established himself as a competent Liiga goalie before that.)

While that 2019 title was a small miracle overall, Lankinen's performance was not really a lightning in a bottle. Rather, it showed that there are highly competent goalies playing in the lower leagues - by the simple virtue alone that each club team doesn't really need more than two good ones, so the overflow to the lower levels is far more abundant than it is with skaters. Of course, there are also goalies whose ceilings are firmly in those lower leagues, so the issue is not having a competent goalie available to you - it's being able to separate the wheat from the chaff. But if you trust our management is able to do that (as I do), there's nothing to worry about.

Of course, Finland has 10 preliminary games scheduled for April-May before the puck drops in Tampere, so if one of Säteri/Olkinuora wishes to play in the home tournament, that's more than ample amount of games for them to get in shape - if they decide to commit themselves to the camp from the get-go. (Knock on wood, though, hoping there are no COVID cancellations. Hard to say where the pandemic is going - is it finally declining or are the news about it simply being drowned out due to that other thing that's going on?)

I forgot to mention Joonas Nättinen and Miro Aaltonen in the previous post. I'm unsure about their KHL status. Free agents or not?

Again, who cares? Every foreign KHL player - both those who left prematurely and those who decided to finish their playoff runs won't be going back next season, contracts or no. Accepting any contract that sees your salary paid in rubles is about to become a crapshoot; while there's always a chance everything's going back to normal a few weeks to months from now, there's an equal if not better chance that said currency value will be equal or worse to toilet paper, at least outside Russia - or it could be you suddenly find your employer not being able to pay at all. And like I said, they'll always find employment in Sweden or Switzerland even if they end up sitting out 'til Christmas.

This is a such a bizarre thing to fixate on. Like I also said, the potential lack of games is a far bigger concern - and possibly being stuck in Russia if the war escalates and they find they can't even leave the country.

 

[Mestaruus]

Its not an issue. Säteri and Olkinuora is a fine tandem if they want to play. If they decline we are in trouble, Every possible nhl goalie not reaching playoffs is RFA after this season.

I guess you didn't read the other part of the post. How come it's not a problem that their season has ended now and they wouldn't play almost any games before the WHC? They could only get some EHT and practice games. It's not really ideal.

 

[Mestaruus]

I think making Vehviläinen still carry his U20 stigma after all these years is, frankly, moronic. So all I can say is that I'm thankful it's not you or I making that call, but Jalonen. (Even though, ironically, it was Jalonen himself giving Vehviläinen too much rope in 2016, leading to his questionable reputation.)

This being said, I won't call Vehviläinen as the sudden frontrunner if all of our established names decline or are unavailable for whatever reason. But I do trust that we will have a competent goalie between the pipes no matter what the name is - especially after a freaking ECHL/AHL goalie came out of nowhere and backstopped Finland to a WC Gold a couple of years ago. (Well, he had established himself as a competent Liiga goalie before that.)

While that 2019 title was a small miracle overall, Lankinen's performance was not really a lightning in a bottle. Rather, it showed that there are highly competent goalies playing in the lower leagues - by the simple virtue alone that each club team doesn't really need more than two good ones, so the overflow to the lower levels is far more abundant than it is with skaters. Of course, there are also goalies whose ceilings are firmly in those lower leagues, so the issue is not having a competent goalie available to you - it's being able to separate the wheat from the chaff. But if you trust our management is able to do that (as I do), there's nothing to worry about.

Of course, Finland has 10 preliminary games scheduled for April-May before the puck drops in Tampere, so if one of Säteri/Olkinuora wishes to play in the home tournament, that's more than ample amount of games for them to get in shape - if they decide to commit themselves to the camp from the get-go. (Knock on wood, though, hoping there are no COVID cancellations. Hard to say where the pandemic is going - is it finally declining or are the news about it simply being drowned out due to that other thing that's going on?)

It's true that Finland's play style under Jalonen often makes the goalie the hero. Our goalie scouting for national team in finding the good and the right goalies is good and it has worked well in the recent years. I trust the goalies that we have had lately, but when they get a delay like this between the games it does raise a concern. I also trust on the goalie selections by the management but it is always risky going for the new guy who might be unproven as a tournament goalie. One time it backfires and that's all I meant with my post. We're out of safe options and it's a little worrying, but we'll see what happens with NHL regular season & playoffs.

 

[Mestaruus]

Again, who cares? Every foreign KHL player - both those who left prematurely and those who decided to finish their playoff runs won't be going back next season, contracts or no. Accepting any contract that sees your salary paid in rubles is about to become a crapshoot; while there's always a chance everything's going back to normal a few weeks to months from now, there's an equal if not better chance that said currency value will be equal or worse to toilet paper, at least outside Russia - or it could be you suddenly find your employer not being able to pay at all. And like I said, they'll always find employment in Sweden or Switzerland even if they end up sitting out 'til Christmas.

This is a such a bizarre thing to fixate on. Like I also said, the potential lack of games is a far bigger concern - and possibly being stuck in Russia if the war escalates and they find they can't even leave the country.

I think you misunderstood what I meant with my "free agent" comment regarding Miro Aaltonen and Nättinen and that might be partly my fault in the way I said it. In that part of the post I wasn't talking about their next season's teams. When I asked if they are free agents or not, I asked it because as KHL players who potentially left their teams now they wouldn't play many games before the tournament and that would put them in the same category as Hartikainen, Granlund and Manninen for example who might not be fits to join our WHC team from their own will of having so long break between the games or Jere Lehtinen possibly looking elsewhere for the same reason, lack of games/being rusty.

 

[JabbaJabba]

Säteri
Olkinuora
Metsola
Manninen
Hartikainen
Markus Granlund
Jokipakka
and more...

Some of them were strong candidates for the WHC team. They all left their KHL teams and I don't know what happens with them now because they wouldn't get to play almost any games from this moment until the WHC tournament. Most likely many of them don't want to join with that delay from the games and also without future contracts and some of them maybe shouldn't be invited for lack of games & being rusty.

I wouldn't worry about rustiness. There's a chance that they start camp earlier to get some practise and also in previous years some KHL players have ended their season in February or March and played in WHC just fine. In addition, the group stage of the tournament is so long that they have plenty of time to get comfortable before the meaningful games start.

 

[Mestaruus]

I wouldn't worry about rustiness. There's a chance that they start camp earlier to get some practise and also in previous years some KHL players have ended their season in February or March and played in WHC just fine. In addition, the group stage of the tournament is so long that they have plenty of time to get comfortable before the meaningful games start.

Do those players want to commit on such long camp though? Maybe in this case they do for this special case with the home tournament. Then there is the Jukka Jalonen factor as well. Players at this point probably want to do sacrifices to play under the legendary Jalonen now. We'll see.

True about long group phase. Those are indeed pretty much practice games also. I still would prefer if all of the players played meaningful playoff games with their club teams and then having only a short preparation with the national team, because too long preparation can be bad as well, especially when it's indeed some pretty meaningless games.