The Journey: Liiga Prospect Update
Dave Hall
2020-11-21
Welcome back to The Journey. To start things off this week, I'd like to start by thanking you for following me over the past few months. It has been a long road, with little hockey to speak towards, but I appreciate all of your feedback, input, and most importantly, your support!
Aside from the QMJHL and now the NCAA, there has been little hockey action to cover on this side of the pond, at least in regards to prospects. So, if you are a hockey nut like myself, long distance is the only way to get your fix. Luckily, there are some great leagues around the world, with some very exciting prospects showcasing their abilities.
A few weeks back, I began a new mini-series providing periodic prospect check-ins from all the major leagues around the world. I began the series with the KHL, and will now be heading to Finland to cover the Liiga. Here are a few noteworthy prospects to consider in your leagues.
Emil Bemström, RW, Blue Jackets
Bemstrom, on loan with Helsinki HIFK, is taking notes from his old point-producing playbook. His 17 points currently sit fourth among league leaders, while his eight tallies sit sixth. The 21-year-old Swede is a known sharp-shooter, and former SHL top-scorer, so his offensive potential is well advertised. It's also no secret that he struggled with consistency throughout his NHL rookie debut season, however, the potential continues to lie within, and is itching to be released.
Despite his struggles last season, it's hard to imagine him returning to North America as an AHL skater, so his spot should be reserved for the Jacket. However, he will need to show the coaching staff more than just a booming shot, should he want to maintain a permanent spot with premium minutes. While there is still much to be excited about, fantasy owners must stay patient and hope his strong Euro stint translates into a better (NHL) sophomore campaign.
Matias Maccelli, LW, Coyotes
Arizona’s 2018 fourth-round-pick is having himself a fine start to his sophomore season (on loan). He has tallied 15 points through 16 games, which sits second among U21 skaters. He is on pace to shatter his rookie totals from last season, in which he posted 30 points over 43 matches, so the progression is comforting.
Mancelli recently signed his ELC in April and will be heading to the Coyotes training camp once announced. Even so, fantasy owners should remain cautious in drafts. While he is enjoying strong numbers overseas, he could be a few years from seeing NHL action. Nonetheless, his development is a nice positive for a club in desperate need of good news.
Juuso Välimäki, D, Flames
Calgary’s prized defender looks to be no worse for wear over in Finland, despite missing the entire 2019-20 season with a torn ACL. Not only does his 17 points sit tied for second on his club team (Ilves), but the 22-year-old leads the league in points by a defender and shows no signs of letting up.
He’s playing in all situations, receiving high-octane minutes with an average of 23:09 per night.
The offense is great, but Valimaki has also been putting in his work in his own zone. His two-way game has been praised by the coaching staff, and his plus-18 rating is all the evidence you need. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Valimaki should be able to find his way onto the Flames starting lineup out of camp, in which case, expect him to contend for spots as high as the second-pairing, as well as some special teams time.
Florida’s most recent draft pick is taking no prisoners during his draft-plus one campaign. In his Liiga debut, just one season ago, Lundell upped his draft stock significantly with a strong 28-point campaign as an 18-year-old rookie. Well, he has since doubled down on those totals so far, producing at a stellar 1.27 clip, with 19 points in a fraction of the time frame. He currently sits third in league scoring.
His terrific two-way abilities have been highly praised from the get-go, so his recent offensive outburst is just icing on the cake, especially since his only “knock” heading into the draft was his offensive ceiling. He has quickly made a mockery of those concerns. With the late NHL start date (assuming there is a season), there is potential for him to make his way over immediately following the 2020-21 season. In which case, he could provide immediate bang-for-your-buck for your fantasy team.
He has recently bested this performance with a six-point game (the youngest player to ever do so in Liiga history) but here was a four-goal game effort just a few weeks back. Does this look like a player with a low offensive ceiling?
Roby Järventie, LW, Senators
18-year-old Roby Jarvintie is showcasing some excellent play in his inaugural SM-Liiga season. The Senators' latest second-round-pick currently sits second among U20 skaters with 14 points (7G +7A) and has certainly come as advertised.
Ottawa got extremely good value to land a player with the upside of Jarventie in the second. At 6-3, he has a solid frame, while he shows very strong skating abilities to boot. He is a prolific goal-scorer and is dangerous in a variety of fashions, from both distance and in tight. With points-only leagues in mind, Jarventie could serve as a solid mid-ranged prospect to select in your upcoming dynasty draft. There is still work to be done, but he holds the potential to become a 30-goal, top-six winger down the road.
Aleksi Saarela, LW, Panthers
Saarela, who landed in Florida via trade from Carolina, has slipped on his goal-scoring mitts during Liiga action. His nine goals are currently tied for third in the league, while his point-per-game clip falls just outside the top-10.
As a full-time AHLer for the previous three seasons, Saarela has displayed consistent offensive output. Not game-breaking, but certainly consistent. He currently remains an RFA, but the 23-year-old should contend for a full-time position within the club's forward group, should he finalize an extension. I thoroughly approve of him as a deep, additional scoring option.
Jesse Puljujärvi, RW, Oilers
We have all kept close tabs on the disgruntled fourth-overall prospect, and so far in his return to Finland, he has looked good. His production, while still decent, has tapered off slightly this season in comparison to his 53-point season just one year ago. Yet, he certainly looks to be figuring things out. He is up to 10 points on the year, and while he may not be fulfilling the potential of his former draft stock, it’s too early to count out middle-six, with second-line upside.
Ville Heinola, D, Jets
No goals on the year for Winnipeg’s Heinola, but the 19-year-old defender has contributed 10 assists with Ilves. In just 14 games, he is just four points shy of his previous SM-Liiga career total, which he set during his rookie season over 34 matches. Things are trending in the right direction.
Given the makeup of the Jets' blueline at the moment, it looks like Heinola could fight for a spot on the club's starting six. If not, he will certainly be a top relied-upon call-up heading into the 2020-21 season.
Lukas Dostal, G, Ducks
Dostal has been a dominant force with his league-leading club Ilves. He is currently suiting up in his second full season in Finland’s top league and has enjoyed elite-level success. Over his two-year career, he’s posted an impressive 41-13-8 record to go with a stellar 1.76 goals-against and .929 save percentage. This year alone, he’s notched a 10-1-0 record with a 1.64 goals-against and .941 save percentage. Pretty good, I’d say.
With Gibson still very much the starter in Anaheim, there may not be enough short term upside in re-draft formats. However, if you are looking for a longer-term upside, make sure to snag this kid up as soon as possible. He is as spicy as they come in regards to goaltender prospects.
Saves like this have just become the norm:
Veini Vehviläinen, G, Blue Jackets
Vehviläinen has taken his talents to JYP, where he has been thrown into a starting position. 11 games into his new endeavor, he sports a 3-5-3 record with a 2.94 GAA and .904 Save-percentage. His team lacks offensive threats and currently sits at the bottom half of league scoring, so it’s best to take his overall record with a grain of salt.
The 23-year-old will return to Ohio for training camp, and will likely duel a list of three goaltenders to take on the starting position in Cleveland. He continues to be held with high regard within the organization and has the potential in becoming a starting goaltender down the line. For now, he should be kept in dynasty leagues as NHL action is likely at least a season away.
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Thank you for tuning in for another week. Follow me on Twitter @hall1289 for prospect highlights, updates, and news.
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