I didnt find confirmation yet but in the Liiga game 5 broadcast they mentioned that Vilen would be joining Utica soon. It was just the commentator though, so no clue if he has any real info. They also mentioned that the Devils Development Coach Esa Pirnes has been in all the final games watching him.
I saw maybe half of Pelicans games this playoffs and I must say I was surprised by his offense and shot. I dont think he showed that much at the World Juniors other than being a work horse but he really won me over in these playoffs.
I wouldnt even say he has crazy offensive skills, but rather than that he's got this offensive instinct that allowed him to be in the right place at the right time. A lot of this goals were opportunistic plays. Still, it was often him who jumped up when his team needed a goal or a spark. No way I wouldve guessed he's one of the youngest players in the team. Played like a veteran.
@Guttersniped I love those Google translated Finnish tweets. I swear, its a really great tool for almost any language but I guess Finnish is too difficult even for Google. Always puts a smile on my face when I see those tweets. I guess y'all get the idea though.
I was trying to think of an NHL comparable final to this Tappara-Pelicans series. Best I could think of was Tampa-Montreal. Tappara has been an absolute dynasty since 2013 (only missed finals twice in that period) and now the 4th title since then and also second back-to-back. Pelicans season was the classic fairytale story. They were picked to miss the playoffs, finished 4th in the regular season and in the semi finals they went against 2nd seed Ilves also from Tampere like Tappara. All the media has been hyping up the Tampere final for the past year or so and they took out Ilves despite all the odds. Heartbreaking way to lose game 5, but in the end the better team won.