C Aleksi Heponiemi- Modo, Hockey Allsvenskan, Sweden (2017, 40th, FLA)

[amnesiac]

I just came across this guy's stats,

over 2.0 PPG in his D+1 in the WHL, and almost a PPG in the SM-Liiga at age 19

very light, listed at 5'10 148 lbs.... Im just curious if thats his only knock, as his point totals are out of this world.

 

[Albatros]

He's a slim guy for sure, a bit child-like in terms of physical aspects and struggled badly in the playoffs when the going got tougher. But his head seems fairly mature in comparison so if he can eventually gain more mass there shouldn't be any real concerns.

 

[HOPE]

Very known prospect.

 

[MMANumminen]

He weights 25kg's but has skill. Put him in the AHL and see if he'll stay alive.

 

[Mildan]

What you guys think, will he start up thos season?

 

[Kaako Kappo]

What you guys think, will he start up thos season?

He'll start in the AHL.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

He'll start in the AHL.

He'll start in the NHL, 99% sure (3rd line with Borgström)

 

[Kaako Kappo]

He'll start in the NHL, 99% sure (3rd line with Borgström)

He will start in the AHL. Good thing you left that 1% chance there, so you have a way out.

 

[JustaFinnishGuy]

From watching Heponiemi all last season in my team, I'd easily say he's starting in the AHL. He was easily outworked in the playoffs and feasted vs worse teams all season. He didn't really shine in the playoffs but had his moments especially against HIFK.

He's a superstar based on his hands and game reading, but on a way too fragile frame for the moment, or that's how I would describe him without seeing if he has improved or not in off ice training. Either way I want him the best career possible and would love for him to become a regular on the FLA roster as soon as possible.

 

[tapi]

For the upcoming season, in NHL, I think under 10 points. In the AHL, 70+ points.

 

[tellermine]

Interesting to see can he get strong enough. And can he get faster also.

 

[JJTT]

He'll start in the NHL, 99% sure (3rd line with Borgström)

Did you even watch him last year? No way.

 

[letsgrowcactus]

I just came across this guy's stats,

over 2.0 PPG in his D+1 in the WHL, and almost a PPG in the SM-Liiga at age 19

very light, listed at 5'10 148 lbs.... Im just curious if thats his only knock, as his point totals are out of this world.

Per Liiga website he's at 70 kg (about 154 lbs). Still not much but an improvement. Also not sure how up-to-date their website is...

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Per Liiga website he's at 70 kg (about 154 lbs). Still not much but an improvement. Also not sure how up-to-date their website is...

Also, 5 foot 11, not 5 foot 10.

He was 5 foot 10 at the beginning of his WHL rookie season in 2016.

 

[Mogo]

He'll start in the NHL, 99% sure (3rd line with Borgström)

He needs 1-2 years in AHL for sure.

 

[Zub]

I don't know that I agree with this. We just saw them both in the World Juniors and by my eye, Hepo was not only Finland's MVP for the tournament but also it's most skilled player and consistently dangerous. I'm not trying to take anything away from Kakko who is obviously two years younger but I don't think he's more skilled. Will he be a better NHL player, I would guess he would by virtue of his NHL ready body and natural strength but by skill alone, I still take Hepo.

Lol no way a sane person would actually think this.

 

[jfhabs]

Not sure if the survey was for Liiga or NHL production, but it's a bit funny there was no option that included 46 pts and that's what he ended up with

 

[IceManCat]

Does he mostly play the left wing or the right

 

[Albatros]

He needs 1-2 years in AHL for sure.

I'm not sure that playing in the AHL can fix his problems though, it's not that he doesn't know how to play physical but he simply can't.

 

[Adele Dazeem]

He'll have a better season that Kakko don't @ me.

 

[Adele Dazeem]

He'll start in the AHL.

No way, Florida's bottom-6 is prime real estate right now.

 

[IceManCat]

No way, Florida's bottom-6 is prime real estate right now.

Our bottom six has one spot left most likely going to either Brouwer/ McGinn or Malgin

 

[Ippenator]

The only correct way to play him in my opinion would be at the spot where he could use his magnificent strengths (VERY high hockey IQ and great hands and passing skills ) optimally and his weaknesses (mostly lack of size and strength) could be covered by other players. I think Heponiemi could work really well playing on the same line with Barkov and Huberdeau, and that line would have some exceptional hockey IQ altogether.

I don’t think Hepo will develop well from playing with some 3rd line grinders or playing in the AHL that much either. At worst his great skill elements and self confidence can get gradually diminished by playing with players not having even close to the same level hockey IQ. Makes players often dumb their game down at least a bit, when they have to play too long with clearly lower hockey IQ players.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

I’m not sure where there is room for him in the lineup. Florida is deep at forward. It looks like Tippett and Hepo will be in competition for a roster spot. That will be interesting to watch. I think Hepo will get a spot and is a dark horse for rookie of the year.

Huberdeau-Barkov-Dadonov
Hoffman-Trocheck-Heponiemi?
Connolly-Borgstrom-Vatrano
Sceviour-Malgin-Accari
Tippett-Hawryluk

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Does he mostly play the left wing or the right

He prefers right wing from all articles I read.