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

[wings5]

Heponiemi who dominated the WHL and played really well in Liiga is having a hard time in North American pro hockey it seems. Called up today though so we'll see if he plays

 

[kerrabria]

Heponiemi who dominated the WHL and played really well in Liiga is having a hard time in North American pro hockey it seems. Called up today though so we'll see if he plays

He looked the same as he did last season.
Incredibly smart, great stick, hard worker, decent hands, but he cannot hack it in the NHL at his size. He loses every battle and gets wrecked around the boards. If he was a great skater, that'd help, but neither speed nor skating are particular strengths for him.

He's 5'10" and somehow looks smaller than DeBrincat out there.

 

[Preposterone]

Heponiemi who dominated the WHL and played really well in Liiga is having a hard time in North American pro hockey it seems. Called up today though so we'll see if he plays

Hepo needed to add 15 lbs of muscle to be “below average” sized in the NHL, and his build looks the same as it did at 18.

 

[JJTT]

Heponiemi who dominated the WHL and played really well in Liiga is having a hard time in North American pro hockey it seems. Called up today though so we'll see if he plays

Still seems crazy he left after one season with Kärpät in Liiga.

He wasn't ready physically to handle playoff hockey in Finland, still somebody thought it was a good idea to play in AHL as a 20 year old.

 

[JabbaJabba]

Dude really needs to add some weight. He's still young and if he improves his physical attributes, he can still have a good career in the NHL. Heponiemi is skilled enough to succeed.

 

[ursavolta]

Dude really needs to add some weight. He's still young and if he improves his physical attributes, he can still have a good career in the NHL. Heponiemi is skilled enough to succeed.

He is a very cerebral player that has the tools to play the game as a playmaking forward. Him lacking that physical edge and lack of total NHL experience is really the only thing that is weighing him down. I for one would love to see him succeed as I think he could be a stellar player. I really like the way he processes the game.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I was a big fan of this kid but watching him tonight so much as a hard stick check is enough to send him flying...still a looooong way away from NHL strength and doesn't have the overwhelming skill to get away with it

 

[wings5]

As a professional athlete you have all the resources to put on weight. Him still being 150 lbs after all this time to me indicates more a lack of commitment to improvement

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Florida Panthers Re-Sign Forward Aleksi Heponiemi to a One-Year Contract | Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has re-signed forward Aleksi Heponiemi to a one-year, two-way contract."Aleksi is a skilled, energetic forward," said Zito. "We look forward to his continued development within our Panthers...

www.nhl.com

 

[Jukurit]

Imagine how good Heponiemi would be if he wasn't allergic to gym equipment.

 

[iam76]

Imagine how good Heponiemi would be if he wasn't allergic to gym equipment.

Theres still time! maybe he just needs to hit his mid 30's and fatten up

 

[Dread Clawz]

He must do some form of strength training. It seems bizarre that he's put on literally no size in years lol.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Anyone see him returning to the NHL?
he is still just 24.

8 games in the NL this season, 8 points (4+4).

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Anyone see him returning to the NHL?
he is still just 24.

8 games in the NL this season, 8 points (4+4).

Unless he adds another gear to his skating or manages to add 15 lbs without losing his quickness, I don't see it. He's got the raw skill and talent but he just hasn't progressed enough physically. He's too weak on the puck.