Prospect Info: Leafs 2017 2nd (Via OTT) (#59 OA) - Eemeli Rasanen - 6'7" 209lbs RHD - Kingston (OHL)

[Epictetus]

For the draft. This pick is from the Phaneuf trade.

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[LastWordArmy]

Scouting Report

http://lastwordonhockeyprospects.com/2017/06/20/2017-nhl-draft-scouting-reports-81-90/

 

[Morgs]

Had a good season on a bad team.

Weak skater, but raw. I like it.

 

[Budsfan]

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=302228

 

[McMatthews]

I wouldn't have taken him at 59 but I have 100% trust in Hunter.

Excited.

 

[HarrisonFord]

Scouting Report

http://lastwordonhockeyprospects.com/2017/06/20/2017-nhl-draft-scouting-reports-81-90/

Rasanen’s size is intriguing, and he can be a real boom or bust prospect.

Love it. Liljegren and Rasanen, both two guys with risk but huge upside

 

[SprDaVE]

Big physical defenseman with some good tools. Not a surprise but skating might be an issue moving forward.

Will probably need time to fill in and progress. A project.

 

[stickty111]

Solid pick. Worth it risk. Taken right at the area he should have been taken.

 

[Walshy7]

great risk reward here. I like the pick

 

[hizzoner]

If you believe the professional scouts the Leafs have rolled the dice on both their picks. At least they went for need.

 

[PromoterDave]

Good pick. Big, young and put up a bunch of points. Solid pick

 

[Cotton]

Great pick, big time potential.

 

[TML Dynasty]

From the Last Word

#81 Eemeli Rasanen, Defence, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL; 6’6.75″ 214 lbs

Rasanen has outstanding size and he uses it very effectively. He throws absolutely crushing body checks when he gets the opportunity. He also uses his strength to win battles on the boards as well as to clear the front of the net. Offensively, he has an absolute bomb of a slap shot. Rasanen’s skating has improved as the season has gone on. He still needs to get used to his frame, and he needs to work on his edgework and agility to deal with speedy forwards. Rasanen’s size is intriguing, and he can be a real boom or bust prospect.

 

[saltming]

I enjoyed watching Rasanen play when I was following Desrocher. Give him some time to fill out and we will have a monster D man

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

Looked kinda like Sundin when he was hugging his family.

 

[Walshy7]

obviously has more offensive skill than Middelton and the other guy form london (cant remember for the life of me his name) who had point totals under 20 in their draft years

 

[MJ65]

Big booming shot but skating is weak

 

[timlap]

Well... ok. Could be good if he puts all his raw tools together. He gets high marls for his Finn-ness, speaking as a Canadian Finn.

Lou not getting my texts though.

 

[Nooodles]

We have Barbara, his skating will be fine. I love this pick!

 

[Patmac40]

Really wanted Morand here. Not a Rasanen fan but hopefully he proves me wrong.

 

[Morgs]

Wouldn't say BPA, but I mean. His tools are undeniable. If he booms.. yeah.

 

[Mess]

I usually my prospects with a little more size but at 6-7 he is have to do.

• After being selected in the second round (113th overall) by the Frontenacs in the 2016 CHL Import Draft, Rasanen led Kingston defensemen and finished second among rookie blueliners with 6-33—39 in 2016-17 (66 GP). He added 1-4—5 in the playoffs (11 GP) before the Frontenacs were eliminated by Peterborough in Round 2.

• The Joensuu, Finland native helped his country win a silver medal at the 2017 Under-18 World Championship (1-0—1 in 6 GP). He also represented Finland at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial (0-1—1 in 4 GP) and the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (5 GP).

• Rasanen spent the 2015-16 season in his native Finland, skating mostly with Assat’s under-18 team and appearing in four games with the junior club.

• Lists Penguins captain Sidney Crosby as his childhood hockey idol.

• Compares his style of play to Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

 

[bansheebeat]

obviously has more offensive skill than Middelton and the other guy form london (cant remember for the life of me his name) who had point totals under 20 in their draft years

Mattinen?

 

[Daisy Jane]

so... basically Barb helps him out here?

 

[93LEAFS]

Fine with the pick. He passes my number one rule for defenders in the CHL, which is he had over .5ppg.

Outside of physicality, I don't see much difference between him and Hague, who some wanted at 17.