Prospect Info: At 16th Overall the Calgary Flames Select Juuso Valimaki

[LastWordArmy]

LWOS Scouting Report

http://lastwordonhockeyprospects.com/2017/04/18/juuso-valimaki-scouting-report/

Click to read more...

 

[Flaming Satan]

Should have been one of Kostin and Vesalainen.

 

[Tofveve]

I like it.

 

[Dack]

I was expecting Poehling. I'm pleasantly surprised.

https://flamesnation.ca/2017/06/10/nation-network-2017-prospect-profile-16-juuso-valimaki/

 

[StreakingRed]

No complaints on this pick. I like it.

 

[MonyontheMoney]

Had an eye on him since early in the year. Think T.J Brodie. He needs to become a bit better defensively, but the way he gets up and down the ice is certainly Brodie-like.

Struggled to make some plays under pressure on pucks he had to turn on at times. Pins well defensively. Logged a tonne of solid minutes in WJC as a draft eligible which is impressive.

 

[Yung Rotini]

Would have preferred Liljegren but I can dig it.

 

[Calculon]

Seems like a decent pick on the surface. Definitely better than Tolvanen, Kostin, or Vesalainen.

But will be interesting to see how Valimaki vs. Liljegren plays out.

With Valimaki, Kylington, Andersson, Fox, Ollas-Mattsson and Falkovsky in the system, hopefully the Flames can be the next Ducks.

 

[1989]

Avoided a couple of questionable picks (Tippett, namely) but couldn't pick up a true faller. I'm very happy Kostin wasn't the one announced - I have no bias against the Russian factor yet Calgary as an organization seems to lack the ability to draw, draft, or properly utilize Russian players.

Skates well, intelligent, and overall sounds like a very balanced young blueliner with some leadership capabilities. A solid choice. Hard to complain and Calgary absolutely can deal from a position of real strength.

 

[InfinityIggy]

Seems like a decent pick.

 

[JurassicTunga]

Welcome to the Flames! Like the pick. We have some damn good D prospects to go along with Hamilton/Brodie/Gio.

 

[Mr Snrub]

He probably has the same sort of offensive upside as Brodie, but I think they're relatively different players, Valimaki is a fair bit more physical and has a far better shot. Interesting prospect, there are plenty of players with the same upside in the NHL but none who play quite the same way. See him as a top 3 d-man.

 

[JPeeper]

Valimaki at 6'1.5", 200+ lbs is very intriguing as he can also skate and pass the puck.

Should be a solid player for us down the line.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

I'm a fan of this pick for sure. Can never have enough two-way D.

 

[Mr Snrub]

Valimaki at 6'1.5", 200+ lbs is very intriguing as he can also skate and pass the pass.

Should be a solid player for us down the line.

This is what's most important. Never would I draft a player who cannot pass the pass.

 

[Zirakzigil]

Seems like a pretty solid pick. With this draft you got to trust the scouts. Theres a bunch of players that seem to be at the same level.

 

[1989]

This is what's most important. Never would I draft a player who cannot pass the pass.

Can he make the play though?

 

[chunkylover53]

I'm whelmed

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

Is this the highest flames D taken since Dion?

 

[Flames Fanatic]

Is this the highest flames D taken since Dion?

Considering the only D we've taken in the first round since Dion is Pelech (late first) and Erixon (20 something), probably.

Unless I'm forgetting someone.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

This is a shining example of drafting BPA vs need.

I am also whelmed.

 

[LetsGoFlames]

I love this pick. The guy I was hoping for going in, barring any big slides, which didn't happen. Thrilled to have him in our system!

 

[Mr Snrub]

Reading through the draft profile in the OP, Ekholm is not a bad comparison at all, but I think Valimaki's offensive skill and ceiling is a bit higher, and he has a better shot, too.

Here's some good stuff for your entertainment:

 

[Volica]

This is a shining example of drafting BPA vs need.

I am also whelmed.

Wasn't he in the BPA?

 

[Phoenix66]

Considering the only D we've taken in the first round since Dion is Pelech (late first) and Erixon (20 something), probably.

Unless I'm forgetting someone.

Matt Pelech was a winger , so yes Erixon was the only one since Dion.. and he was #23