beepeearr
@beepeearr
The gap between Jyrki Jokipakka and Esa Lindell is big. I don't think it's even worth discussing.
It will only get bigger as Lindell matures.
This, granted it was a smaller sample size, but Jokipokka was outplayed by Lindell in all areas of the games, not just better offensively, but defensively as well. I think Finland maybe allowed one or two goals when he was on the ice this last world championship, and one of those was an Empty net goal in the final game, thats the only one I saw, but I did miss one of their games, so maybe a second was scored.
One of the things to consider, because it doesn't show up on the score sheets. It was a Lindell pass that started a breakout that led to many of Finlands goals this last WC, he didnt always get an assist or even be on the ice still for the eventual goal (lots of great outlet passes before heading to the bench for a change right before a goal, one game this happened twice).
I dont think he will be another Klingberg, just a different kind of player. Has great vision though and at least in the games I've seen very calm in the defensive zone, very good at using his size to push guys wide (which unfortunately Kari has a bad habit of allowing bad angle shots to slip through him.)
Is there a risk he will struggle to adjust to the faster pace of the NHL, sure, and he might struggle at first, but if given the chance to adjust he could looks great by seasons end.