Difficult to predict. You both guys have some good points to be fair.
I actually don't see him as the best skater based on the WJC's. But then again, he was a bit younger so not a big a worry for now. He really needs to improve his shot so that he can become productive because for me, he's a bit of a Lundell kind of a prospect right now with a weaker shot at the same age. Then again, he could also become a light version of Aho or Bäckis.
The similarity with Lundell is not that good of a skater imho, perhaps a bit better than Lundell was. Not as effective or able to shoot the puck and I always liked Lundells mentality. But, I do think Helenius has some serious cheekiness with the puck. I do see a upside in his ability to become a playmaker based on creativity, the ability to stay calm and actually his pretty easy going personality. He seems chill and to have some flow in his aura. Reminds me almost more of a swede in that way lol.
And that's why I believe in him. A good second or third center. With the possibility to become your first guy in a weaker organization in the beginning.
These comparisons are quite difficult to make. They are all unique in many ways imo.
Kakko was always a complete beast as a prospect, strong with good stickhandling and he shined back in Finland but he got a bit mishandled in Rangers. Also, I always got a good person and a bit to kind and soft for his own best- impression of him. Amongst these Finnish prospects he stood out in that way.
Both Lundell and Aho gave me a more determined impression. Aho being a better skater of course. Lundell on the other hand, got a two-way or perhaps even a defensive role pretty early on? Behind Barkov and bigger names, perhaps not the easiest or best development path always? I mean the same could be said about prospects getting drafted by the Sabres. The organization makes a lot of difference, and probably more than most seem to think. I mean if your not a bonafide star like Bedard, McDavid, Hughes, Eichel, Matthews and others? Then it matters a whole lot.
Kotkaniemi, the guy is so uneven it's not funny. Perhaps a bit rushed to be honest. Should have played one more WJC and perhaps one more year in Liiga or at least in the AHL. Montreal seem to be rushing some prospects lately...
Back to the point. I would love seeing Helenius getting picked by Flyers. If he gets some speed and good shooters on his wings? I believe he has the potential to make them and himself shine. They don't have the biggest names now and prospects like Michkov and Tuomaala are intriguing and their abilities are something that I believe would match Helenius strengths.
Thing is, with him I do think the potential is there but not a sure bet by any means. Depends on the organization and how serious and good they are at developing him.
I truly wish him the best and that he works hard on his shot and skating. Already looking forward if he can make a greater impact in next years WJC for Finland and become a leader.
