C Aleksi Saarela - Lukko, Liiga (2015, 89th, NYR; traded to CAR, traded to CHI, traded to FLA)

[Igor Shestyorkin]

What. A. Shot.

 

[Tiger24]

Good game from Saarela tonight

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I think he's at 12+7=19 in 32 games

 

[JJTT]

I think he's at 12+7=19 in 32 games

Yep. He's been really good after his slow start:

First 17 games: 2+4=6
Last 15 games: 10+3=13

 

[Tiger24]

Finnish prospects seems to be on fire...

First 17 games: 2+4=6
Last 18 games: 12+4=16

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He has a very good shot. He shoots with a lot of velocity and his release is quick.

 

[Ippenator]

He has a very good shot. He shoots with a lot of velocity and his release is quick.

Yes, he does have a very good shot, especially for his age. Although not exactly as hard as Laine's and Pulju's shot, but he definitely has a quick release. And he seems to also have a real killer instinct. He seems to have almost everything that a player could wish for. Well ok, he lacks some size, but at least he is already pretty strong for his age, and knowing what kind of a shortish real powerhouse his father was, I think that Aleksi will not have too much problems with his a bit limited size. Great prospect all in all. A bit underrated in my opinion.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Thats kind of how I assess him as a prospect. He doesn't have any weaknesses other than his height, and he's very strong and will battle with bigger players, so his size isn't really a problem. Really good all around player, not sure if he will be elite in any category in the NHL, but I think its safe to say that he will be a decent NHL player.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

He is also a very good playmaker, although you wouldn't guess it from this season's stats. I think that around October he realized that he is a better scorer than anyone else on his team and started using his shot more and what a good decision it has been. However, I think that if you'd line him up with proper finishers his playmaking would show up some more. Now he is playing with average Liiga players, but I can't wait to see how he'll play with real NHL talent.

 

[FLYLine27*]

Yes, he does have a very good shot, especially for his age. Although not exactly as hard as Laine's and Pulju's shot, but he definitely has a quick release. And he seems to also have a real killer instinct. He seems to have almost everything that a player could wish for. Well ok, he lacks some size, but at least he is already pretty strong for his age, and knowing what kind of a shortish real powerhouse his father was, I think that Aleksi will not have too much problems with his a bit limited size. Great prospect all in all. A bit underrated in my opinion.

Quick release > shot strength.

The player with the quick release will outscore the player with a harder shot.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Quick release > shot strength.

The player with the quick release will outscore the player with a harder shot.

This is true. But still, in addition to his quick release, his shot is also very strong. He doesn't have the other abilities which make Tarasenko a really good goal scorer, but that wrister reminds me of him.

 

[Ippenator]

Quick release > shot strength.

The player with the quick release will outscore the player with a harder shot.

Sure, I agree on this definitely. But I think it wouldn't hurt if Saarela would have even as hard shot as Pulju and Laine have. A quick release with a very hard shot is a deadly combination. OK, he's not even too much behind Pulju and Laine right now with the power of his shot.

 

[jaa]

I really like his simple, effective game. He was a constant producer at WJC and along with several other gold medalists from that team, there doesn't seem to be end of confidence. With the tools he has, I think he will be either 2-3 line C or top6 allround winger in the NHL.

Speed, acceleration, grade A release, strength compared to size, playmaking and IQ are his strengths, I just don't see him failing when I observe his progress as a prospect. Might turn out as a steal for NYR.

 

[Hfbsux]

What. A. Shot.

the release !

 

[Igor Shestyorkin]

the release !

I think he has an NHL shot.

 

[Hfbsux]

I think he has an NHL shot.

The fact that he finish 3rd in the hardest slapshot with finland u20 is just the cherry on the sunday. I play respectable caliber hockey and quick release is so important.. if you dont have it, good luck having a good shot from the slot in a fast paced game. Also loved his work on the face-off circle, somebody mentionned he was holding his own in a men league.. Very impressed with his overall play, similar as Seb Aho.

 

[agent082]

The fact that he finish 3rd in the hardest slapshot with finland u20 is just the cherry on the sunday.

Did he? I remember that one article, but there were only 4 players from that team (Aleksi Saarela, Sami Niku, Jesse Puljujarvi and Patrik Laine). Don't think there was a competition where all players shot.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

Did he? I remember that one article, but there were only 4 players from that team (Aleksi Saarela, Sami Niku, Jesse Puljujarvi and Patrik Laine). Don't think there was a competition where all players shot.

You are correct. However, I think that the only ones that could have had a legitimate chance to challenge Puljujärvi, Laine, and Saarela would have been Repo and perhaps Rantanen although I don't really recall ever seeing his slapper, he has a fine wrister though. Saarijärvi has also a good shot, but I don't think it has that kind of a top speed.

I also doubt (hope?) there was anyone that could challenge Niku for the weakest slapper.

 

[Uncle Scrooge]

Thats kind of how I assess him as a prospect. He doesn't have any weaknesses other than his height, and he's very strong and will battle with bigger players, so his size isn't really a problem. Really good all around player, not sure if he will be elite in any category in the NHL, but I think its safe to say that he will be a decent NHL player.

I keep bringing this up but he reminds me of a not so tenacious but a bit more of a sniper (i guess he got it from his dad) Gallagher. They even look somewhat similar in my opinion

20-25 goals and 20-25 assists are the type of stats i could see Saarela putting up in the NHL (if he gets to play with good players like Gallagher) while being a good all around player and the guy who sparks his team every once in a while.

 

[Combat Koala]

He reminds me a bit of Parise in the sense that his motor never stops running. Strong on his skates and can battle with bigger players along the boards, has a quick and accurate release. Has progressed quite well this season. If he can avoid injuries, I can't see how he wouldn't become an NHLer. Could be a real gem for the Rangers.

 

[HockeyHistorian]

In my opinion he relies more on skill and vision than Gallagher and Parise, but I agree that they share similarities. In my wildest dreams I compare him to Zetterberg.

 

[Igor Shestyorkin]

The fact that he finish 3rd in the hardest slapshot with finland u20 is just the cherry on the sunday. I play respectable caliber hockey and quick release is so important.. if you dont have it, good luck having a good shot from the slot in a fast paced game. Also loved his work on the face-off circle, somebody mentionned he was holding his own in a men league.. Very impressed with his overall play, similar as Seb Aho.

So would you define him as more of a Two-way player? Some guy who can get it done in all situations? And what do you think he excels at besides his shot?

 

[FinPanda]

Only dangerous player for Ässät as they are behind 3-0 to Pelicans after first.

 

[traffic cone]

So would you define him as more of a Two-way player? Some guy who can get it done in all situations? And what do you think he excels at besides his shot?

Two-way sniper center. The only player who comes to mind is Jeff Carter but he's much bigger.

Who would be a good comparable?

 

[jaa]

Two-way sniper center. The only player who comes to mind is Jeff Carter but he's much bigger.

Who would be a good comparable?

Crosby