C/LW Arttu Ruotsalainen - Ilves, Liiga (2016 undrafted)

[HockeyDBspecialist]

Was looking at the Finland international team and I saw one small but good player: Arttu Ruotsalainen

was wondering and curious, why wasn't he drafted or why isn't signed on an NHL team ?

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[Hokinaittii]

Small size and he really isn't that skilled to play in NHL.

 

[HockeyDBspecialist]

Small size and he really isn't that skilled to play in NHL.

the size is not really important when you have the speed and skills in today's game. I have watch some videos and looked at his stats. is the lack of talent really the only reason... ? he is producing really well for a 20 years old in a men's league.

I have seen way worst players who had a try in the NHL, did he got a try by one team ?

 

[ijuka]

Uh, the guy just isn't very good? Such an odd topic. It's not even some amazing player destroying Liiga or international tournaments or something, the guy just is utterly mediocre.

 

[HockeyDBspecialist]

Uh, the guy just isn't very good? Such an odd topic. It's not even some amazing player destroying Liiga or international tournaments or something, the guy just is utterly mediocre.

can you explain why he did so well at the U20 last year ?
I'm just curious to know, mostly if someone have been watching him.

 

[tfong]

can you explain why he did so well at the U20 last year ?
I'm just curious to know, mostly if someone have been watching him.

Did he do well? Says he has 0 points in 6 games at WJC. He has 11 points in 18 games on the International Team but even then its not even that good considering he has the most games played.

 

[Hockeyisl1fe]

An odd thread indeed... he is a mediocre player in Liiga, why he should be in the NHL? What's so eye popping about his u20 production? He will be an Euro player for his entire career.

 

[kabidjan18]

Last year a guy who was an actual Liiga star, Henrik Haapala, came over. That trip was unremarkable. That's not particularly anomalous, most stars who come from Europe either do not stay or do not become significant additions.

The NHL is an entire level above the European leagues. That's no disrespect to European leagues, but athletes who are drafted or signed out of Europe aren't signed for their European league statistics, but for the potential they have and players they could become. Never say never of course, but he's neither particularly exceptional, not particularly young.

 

[ijuka]

can you explain why he did so well at the U20 last year ?
I'm just curious to know, mostly if someone have been watching him.

What about 0 points in 6 games as a 20-year-old is "so well"? This is a loaded question.

 

[Legend Leinonen]

OP is Arttu's mom.

 

[ookhaab]

Lol

 

[Tormentor]

There's another Arttu Ruotsalainen available in this year's draft, he's a 6'5'' tall netminder. Inconsistent and unpolished, but some people see raw upside in him. KalPa signed him to a Liiga contract already a year ago and he was invited to U18 national team camp last summer. Didn't get much exposure, played mostly in Finnish U18 league before missing the 2nd half of the season because of an injury. Probably won't get drafted this time around, but might have some sleeper potential.

 

[Killerjas]

One of the highest point totals in the Liiga so far. Over 1 PPG with 6 goals and 6 assists in 11 games. If he keeps this up he will be on my list of players who most likely will get signed next season by a NHL team.

He is having an unbelievable season so far. Maybe he is a late bloomer?

 

[Johno]

One of the highest point totals in the Liiga so far. Over 1 PPG with 6 goals and 6 assists in 11 games. If he keeps this up he will be on my list of players who most likely will get signed next season by a NHL team.

He is having an unbelievable season so far. Maybe he is a late bloomer?

I have my doubts. The size will be a huge question mark, he ain't got Johnny Hockey skills either so...
Perhaps a try-out or AHL contract. But in that case KHL could offer more money.

 

[JJTT]

One of the highest point totals in the Liiga so far. Over 1 PPG with 6 goals and 6 assists in 11 games. If he keeps this up he will be on my list of players who most likely will get signed next season by a NHL team.

He is having an unbelievable season so far. Maybe he is a late bloomer?

His stats are kinda misleading, 5 points vs Sport in two blowout wins. 7 points in 9 other games, nearly all of those points are on the powerplay or empty net too.

Could be a decent bottom 6 center but with his size, I don't think he will get too many opportunities in the NHL.

 

[37 others]

Sounds like he's taken a big step forward in his game this year. Currently tied for leading the Liiga in points.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Leading Liiga in goals and points and playing a lot of all-situation minutes for Ilves. For all the Finns who are actually watching the games, how's he looking?

 

[Henkka]

Leading Liiga in goals and points and playing a lot of all-situation minutes for Ilves. For all the Finns who are actually watching the games, how's he looking?

Best forward in the league, pretty much.

Probably 3 games left in Finland and then the guy is gone. Never looks back and will take 3rd line job from the Sabres.

 

[JabbaJabba]

He has been good, but he is just so short. Size still matters to some degree in the NHL. Smaller players need to be really good to make it there. I hope he makes it of course, I just want to stay realistic.

 

[Just doink]

Dissing OP did not age well, Ruotsalainen absolutly have the toolset to play in the NHL, and i think he will.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Best forward in the league, pretty much.

Probably 3 games left in Finland and then the guy is gone. Never looks back and will take 3rd line job from the Sabres.

How do you think his game will translate? Do you see him being a good two-way player in the NHL? Do you think his size will be an issue? I've seen a few highlights of his goals this year, but passing plays, defense, etc. obviously are harder to find clips of.

 

[Henkka]

He has been good, but he is just so short. Size still matters to some degree in the NHL. Smaller players need to be really good to make it there. I hope he makes it of course, I just want to stay realistic.

Short with strong balance + fast skating. That's the type of short players in general who will survive in NHL.

 

[GOALOFSSON]

Keeps going

 

[Zub]

I just find it funny that his name "Ruotsalainen" litterally means Swede, and his linemate's name is Suomi, which means Finland.

 

[Techcoockie]

LOL Loving all the no knowledge haters hating on OP when he saw a real good player in him when no one saw it.


Good damn job OP, you know your hockey