2016 Draft: 8th Pick: Aapeli Rasanen

Cerebral

Registered User
Aug 4, 2003
23,262
565
Calgary, Alberta
He put up 9 points in 7 games in the U18s which is pretty impressive. He was ranked 59th by Future Considerations and 93rd by McKeen's - any info on how he plays?
 

HeavyHitter99

Registered User
Jun 18, 2013
4,633
90
He had a surprising U18 but he played a complete game in Finland this year. He'll take a couple years but there's definitely potential there.
 

HeavyHitter99

Registered User
Jun 18, 2013
4,633
90
He put up 9 points in 7 games in the U18s which is pretty impressive. He was ranked 59th by Future Considerations and 93rd by McKeen's - any info on how he plays?

Smart and pretty creative. Soft hands but not super skilled. He skates well and has strong vision that he uses well to be a pass first player. Physically he plays weak though and struggles during battles and he often tries to force plays which leads to giveaways. Defensively, he is very responsible.
 

Spawn

Something in the water
Feb 20, 2006
43,589
14,951
Edmonton
So the 4th Finn? Just a coincidence or impacted by the fact that Puljujarvi fell to 4th?
 

Noah88

Registered User
Apr 30, 2016
42
0
Interesting pick at that stage. Räsänen has surely a chance to surprise.
Long way, but for a 5th round poick worth the pick, imo.
Puljujärvi is probably happy too about all the finn picks. ;)
 

Aceboogie

Registered User
Aug 25, 2012
32,649
3,896
I think Nemo, this guy and Puljujarvi were are teammates on U18

Much like when we picked Yak then got Yakimov + Sepyshev, maybe htis is run on Finns
 

McManked

Ooh to be a Gooner
Jan 16, 2011
19,520
3
Edmonton, AB
Rasanen is a pass- rst player who uses his smart understanding of the game, vision and ac- curate pass to set up linemates. A shifty skater with good hands, Rasanen is constantly moving his feet and trying to create plays. On the other hand, his foot speed and overall mobility are only average. He can get caught behind the play at times due to a lack of speed. He drives hard to the net, and has a knack for maintaining puck control and protecting it through traf c. He battles hard, and uses good vision to nd teammates in open ice, feeding them with soft passes. He shows his hockey sense in his decision-making and displays good understanding of the game. Rasanen makes smart decisions with the puck and is a calm puck carrier, even when he attacks using his one-on-one puckhandling skills. His shot, while hard, is not always a strength as his accuracy is inconsistent. He is employed on both the penalty kill and power play, and he wins most of his faceoffs. Rasanen shows off his hockey IQ in ashes as he is responsible on the ice and is committed to a two-way game. He shows a fundamental understanding of his defensive responsibilities and backchecks hard. When defenders join rushes, he reads the plays and backs up the respective defenseman. He’s not a very physical or powerful player; he plays a more nesse-driven defensive game. Despite his playmaking ability, he projects best as more of a shutdown center at the highest level rather than an offensive source.

-- Future Considerations
 

Gsus

MVP
Feb 20, 2014
4,464
1,075
Pori, Finland
Has that grit to his game and judging by the U18 highlights, isn't bad at hitting bigger guys. I could see him being a shutdown 3c in Oilers some day, but that will mean a lot of work.
 

Zaddy

Registered User
Feb 8, 2013
13,058
5,850
I'm not sold on him having NHL upside, but in terms of value, taking him in the 6th is fine.
 

Zaddy

Registered User
Feb 8, 2013
13,058
5,850
An added bonus is that he's crossing the pond next year and playing for Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL. Hasn't played the pro game yet so may be looking at going the college route. Long-term project but could be worth the wait.
 

Zaddy

Registered User
Feb 8, 2013
13,058
5,850
Just looking at the U18 highlights Räsänen reminds me of Matt Hendricks, as odd as that may sound.

Maybe he can be a solid bottom-six guy who can provide energy and some scoring. That would be very welcome.
 

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