F Sampo Ranta - Sioux City Musketeers, USHL (2018, 78th, COL)

[BKarchitect]

Finn on Finn in the Big 10

 

[57special]

Ranta and Walker have the most talent up front on the Gophers. Wish Motzko would play them together.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Ranta is having a strong 3rd year in the NCAA.
9 goals, 12 points in 14 games, is +6.

Leads his team in goals and points and obviously is high in NCAA goals.

 

[57special]

Power forward with offensive skill. Excellent speed and shot. Strong. Not the best at finding, or working with, other teammates.
Has the physical wherewithal tools to move up to he AHL, if not the NHL. Not sure that he has the mental game to adjust to the challenges that the NHL throws at him, but he's got the tools.

Would be a welcome addition to CO as a 3rd liner. Never hurts to have quality depth. If this guy works out, just another talented prospect for them. He and Newhook on a third line in a year or two would be interesting.

 

[Islay1989]

Has all the tools but his hockey IQ leaves a lot to be desired. If you are a club that just plays a run and gun and wants a guy who is just a heat-seeking missile that is locked in on the net he will be ok, if your team plays a structured game where everyone needs to be on the same page he won't be a fit. I just don't see how he can fit in with what Bednar wants, sure he fits the speed, speed and more speed mantra the Avs preach, but they also want players who play well as a unit and players who make quick decisions first and foremost, he does neither. I'd say he is most similar to Burakovsky, who can play like he has blinders on, but Burakovsky is fairly bit more talented. Not quite as strong, or bull in the china shop Ranta can be, but he skates excellent for a guy his size and his release might be the best on the team that features MacKinnon and Rantanen.

 

[57special]

Reminds me of Holloway.

 

[Bonin21]

He needs at least one full year in the AHL then we'll see if he takes the next step needed to become an NHL regular.

 

[S E P H]

Power forward with offensive skill. Excellent speed and shot. Strong. Not the best at finding, or working with, other teammates.
Has the physical wherewithal tools to move up to he AHL, if not the NHL. Not sure that he has the mental game to adjust to the challenges that the NHL throws at him, but he's got the tools.

Would be a welcome addition to CO as a 3rd liner. Never hurts to have quality depth. If this guy works out, just another talented prospect for them. He and Newhook on a third line in a year or two would be interesting.

He's always going to be a "blinders" first player, but I think he can develop into a solid Jamie McGinn-type third line role.

 

[Cousin Eddie]

Major Chris Kreider vibes. He doesn’t mind flying through the crease either.

 

[tigervixxxen]

He has the talent level and skill set to have a chance to not get forgotten in the AHL. We’ll see when he gets there but Ranta’s progression in the NCAA has been fun to watch.

 

[NJ Fan 12]

Anyway to update the thread title?

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

Everytime my eyes get a quick glance at this thread title, I swear I see "Santa"... keeps messing me up

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Anyway to update the thread title?

Only the person who can is the one created the thread and probably mods as well, i dunno for sure thou.
Thread tool > edit title

 

[Northern Avs Fan]

What a great season for Sampo. Hoping the Avs have found a gem here.

 

[Bonin21]

I've watched his college career progress and I'll say:
~15% chance 2nd line winger
~30% chance 3rd line winger
~15% chance 4th line winger
~40% chance never a full time NHLer

It's tough to make the NHL, but he has the physical tools and knows how to put the puck in the net.

 

[Perratrooper]

I've watched his college career progress and I'll say:
~15% chance 2nd line winger
~30% chance 3rd line winger
~15% chance 4th line winger
~40% chance never a full time NHLer

It's tough to make the NHL, but he has the physical tools and knows how to put the puck in the net.

Why do you think he’s more likely to make it as a third liner than a fourth?

 

[Bonin21]

Why do you think he’s more likely to make it as a third liner than a fourth?

This kid loves to put the puck in the net. He doesn't love to grind (though he has a solid effort level) and spend a shift checking guys. I just don't see him sticking in a 4th line role. Feel like he'd rather go play in Europe at that point.

 

[melinko]

I agree with the 3rd liner comment, it is the safe bet for someone who is probably unlikely to reach top6 but still considered an offensive player.

Attitude determines everything if you need to adjust your game in order to stick in the NHL and that isn't something you can tell just by watching a player.

 

[Mac Attack]

This kid loves to put the puck in the net. He doesn't love to grind (though he has a solid effort level) and spend a shift checking guys. I just don't see him sticking in a 4th line role. Feel like he'd rather go play in Europe at that point.

I'm sure the much larger pay that fourth liners get here over European players will incentivize him if he ends up on the fourth line.

 

[Bonin21]

Most even strength goals in the country:
1. Caufield - 17 in 29 games
2. Ranta - 15 in 28 games

 

[Goulet17]

First Team All Big Ten

Hockey Postseason Honors Announced

 

[Bone Breaker]

bumping up this thread because he may make the Avs team this season. strong pre-season and apparently the coach loves him.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

bumping up this thread because he may make the Avs team this season. strong pre-season and apparently the coach loves him.

That's pretty cool!. If this really happens, didn't see that coming.

Under the radar prospect, has he ever even played hockey here in Finland?

If my memory serves me right, didn't he play in Austria?, then moved to NA,
to the USHL, then NCAA.

 

[57special]

Hope this guy continues to be inconsistent and make questionable decisions. If not, CO has another forward talent on their hands. Ranta has all the tools.

 

[Mac Attack]

Congrats to Ranta for making the cut.