Confirmed with Link: Pens Sign Finnish Defenseman Juuso Riikola

[BHD]

This should be his goal song when he reaches the NHL...

 

[StaalForOne]

Nice

Hope they continue to look for more signings like this. Need to restock the D cupboard somehow. I just realized they actually still have 6 draft picks this year. More than I expected. I know they will probably go BPA, but it would be nice to add at least 2-3 C and D.

 

[Pens1566]

Nothing wrong with a free asset. Especially one with an obvious nickname.

 

[The Old Master]

Nice
I just realized they actually still have 6 draft picks this year. More than I expected. .

would be nice if they bundle a few to move up. imo

 

[cheesedanish87]

I don't know a thing about him, but i'm happy to add any free young player.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Born in Joensuu and has spent the past 9 seasons in KalPa's system, so I'm instantly a fan.

I've seen him play a couple times in person, but he was 19 at the time so I'm not even going to bother with a scouting report aside from saying he didn't look out of place as a teenager in Liiga.

 

[PennDanzig]

Right on. Happy with the free asset.

 

[StaalForOne]

would be nice if they bundle a few to move up. imo

Wouldn't hate it.

I guess if there's a guy they really like go for it. I usually prefer quality over quantity, but considering the state of the farm I don't think it would hurt to add more names.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

Anyone make sure he doesn't have some bizarre old timey disease or anything?

 

[QnebO]

Nothing wrong with a free asset. Especially one with an obvious nickname.

Like what? Rio cola?

 

[NCoRe]

Leaf fan coming in peace. I've watched Juuso for a good bunch of years now and I'm jealous of you

Juuso is good mobile defensemen and while not big, he uses his body really efficiently. Good vision & IQ and above average shot. Only downside is that board play needs a little work especially when coming to a NA rink. I'd say you gotta a hidden gem who is a decent 3rd pairing D with a potential to be even on your top 4.

 

[BladeRunner66]

Not much not to like from what i've read here. Even if he doesn't make it on the second pair, a strong 3rd pair guy is very much welcome anyway!

I guess if he's sound 2 way he could at least temporarily patch upwards if needed, occasionnaly playing with an offensive *cough* dumbass Tanger *cough* for exemple.

...or we could just trade Letang, opens up many possibilities.

 

[Jacob]

Riikola - Oleksiak with Ruhwedel as the #7 would be real nice.

 

[Rakell67]

Anyone make sure he doesn't have some bizarre old timey disease or anything?

I heard he has gout.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

would be nice if they bundle a few to move up. imo

Yep. Would love it if they could move back into the first round somehow. Doubt they have the combination of picks to make it happen, though.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Riikola - Oleksiak with Ruhwedel as the #7 would be real nice.

FWIW, I thought I had read somewhere on these boards yesterday that Riikola could play both LD and RD, but of course I can't find it now.

 

[SouthGeorge]

Precursor to a Letang trade?!

One can only hope

 

[BladeRunner66]

FWIW, I thought I had read somewhere on these boards yesterday that Riikola could play both LD and RD, but of course I can't find it now.

ha yeah Jac asked what side but sides would rock, i mean, if the guy can patch up (supposing he can play both sides) and play a strong 3rd pair that could cover for let's say, a not so adequate 4th line for example...

This guy sounds like Tetris to our structure.

 

[madinsomniac]

Not much not to like from what i've read here. Even if he doesn't make it on the second pair, a strong 3rd pair guy is very much welcome anyway!

I guess if he's sound 2 way he could at least temporarily patch upwards if needed, occasionnaly playing with an offensive *cough* dumbass Tanger *cough* for exemple.

...or we could just trade Letang, opens up many possibilities.

.... Riikola won't fix Letang but he may help soothe that nasty cough

 

[Corvidae]

Riikola - Oleksiak with Ruhwedel as the #7 would be real nice.

Well, he certainly passes Hunwick on the depth chart just by existing and has zero other competition, so he's 7th at worst right now.

 

[The GM]

I haven’t been this excited since we signed plotnikov

 

[madinsomniac]

I haven’t been this excited since we signed plotnikov

I mean to be fair, there were two guys coming over that were big news that year... we just got the wrong one

 

[SHOOTANDSCORE]

JR does it again, snatching a useful player from out of the ether.

 

[EightyOne]

I haven’t been this excited since we signed plotnikov

Golden helmet Janne Pesonen!

 

[Honour Over Glory]

I heard he has gout.

I have it too. I mean at least it isn't dysentery.