kelsier
Registered User
- Aug 17, 2013
- 4,280
- 1,741
I think at 20th he was actually a pretty good pick. Like many posters have mentioned before, he had consistency related issues throughout the year. Kupari did start his FEL career as the third line center with limited minutes with no PP time and played there for a large part of the season. Later he was promoted to 2nd line center and when Vesalainen joined the team, the two were paired up but it didn't do much to help his offensive output. I think the inexperience at pro level and the lack of productive role early on also affected his numbers. However there are a few things of which shouldn't be overlooked. Due to lack of core strength he got pushed and tossed around a lot playing vs the grown ups (time will work this out). Playing center at the age of 17 in one of the hardest scoring leagues in the world is no easy task for any youngster.
Kupari played in the WJC but saw little ice time despite of team Finland having one of the worst group of centers ever. Later on he missed out on the first games of u18 WJHC cause Kärpät would not let him leave as they were in the playoffs.
What we saw last year alone would indicate to lowish hockey IQ. Otherwise the skills (especially with the puck) are evident and unlike one poster mentioned, I do think he has a pretty good shot as well. Excellent skater with some actual size to go along with, although I was surprised to see the combine measurements (thought he was much closer to 6"0 than 6"1,5(/188,7 lbs). Rasmus pretty literally looks like a teenager even today. I really hope he belongs to the group of youngsters who just need time to figure it all out and even if he turns into if he turns into just a speedy hustler I won't be too disappointed nor surprised. Seems like there's a fair share of those in the NHL even today. All in all, fits the very definition of bust/boom prospect quite splendidly.
Kupari played in the WJC but saw little ice time despite of team Finland having one of the worst group of centers ever. Later on he missed out on the first games of u18 WJHC cause Kärpät would not let him leave as they were in the playoffs.
What we saw last year alone would indicate to lowish hockey IQ. Otherwise the skills (especially with the puck) are evident and unlike one poster mentioned, I do think he has a pretty good shot as well. Excellent skater with some actual size to go along with, although I was surprised to see the combine measurements (thought he was much closer to 6"0 than 6"1,5(/188,7 lbs). Rasmus pretty literally looks like a teenager even today. I really hope he belongs to the group of youngsters who just need time to figure it all out and even if he turns into if he turns into just a speedy hustler I won't be too disappointed nor surprised. Seems like there's a fair share of those in the NHL even today. All in all, fits the very definition of bust/boom prospect quite splendidly.