jnk96
Registered User
Surprised there isn't a thread on this kid yet (I apologize if there is). Certainly doesn't have as much potential as Leon Draisaitl, but he might be the best German player since Draisaitl.
Birthday: 2000-09-24
Position: F
Shoots: R
Height: 176 cm / 5'9"
Weight: 72 kg / 159 lbs
2013-14: Valenti played in Group B (the weaker group) of Germany's highest under-16 league (Schüler Bundesliga) for EJ Kassel as a 13-year-old, and had 58 goals and 89 points in 26 games that year. Despite playing in the lower group with relatively weak competition, it is impressive to put up those numbers as a kid playing against 16-year-olds. He even played eight games for the under-18 team and scored four goals and seven points.
2014-15: Valenti started the following season in the under-16 league again, but after scoring 30 goals and 43 points in nine games, he was called up to the under-19 team that plays in the DNL 2, Germany's second-tier junior league. There, he had 12 goals and 31 points in 30 games as a 14-year-old, playing against teenagers/young adults who are up to five years older than him.
2015-16: Valenti started his 15-year-old season in the DNL 2 again, but after posting 17 goals and 34 points in 13 games, he joined the Jungadler Mannheim of the top-tier DNL.
There, he appeared in 15 games and recorded five goals and 13 points, playing against Germany's best junior players up to the age of 20. Valenti also played 16 games in Group A of the under-16 Schüler Bundesliga - which was the original plan Mannheim had for him - and had 30 goals and 39 points.
2016-17: Valenti will likely play the entire 2016-17 campaign in the DNL and showcase his abilities heading into his first year of CHL Import Draft eligibility. Junior teams are already showing interest in him.
With all that stat talk and league explanation out of the way, let's get to some observations:
Valenti is not only a terrific offensive player, but he displays great two-way ability. In Mannheim, he even spent time playing defense and got time on the penalty kill. At 5-foot-9 and 159, he is weaker than many of his opponents, but he makes up for that with great defensive awareness and aggressive play. He is a hard worker who does not shy away from being physical despite his small frame. A quick and agile skater - forward and backwards -, Valenti has little problems on the backcheck.
But, the area in which he excels is obviously offense. He plays hard, accurate outlet passes and can carry the puck out of danger himself. Valenti has good vision and offensive awareness and processes the game quickly enough to make quick decisions. He can distribute the puck to his teammates and has a nose for the net himself.
That was a lot of positivity and, honestly, there is nothing to dislike about this kid so far. I have no doubt that some CHL team will pick him up at the 2017 Import Draft, and that's when we will really see what he can do. Keep an eye on him!
Birthday: 2000-09-24
Position: F
Shoots: R
Height: 176 cm / 5'9"
Weight: 72 kg / 159 lbs
2013-14: Valenti played in Group B (the weaker group) of Germany's highest under-16 league (Schüler Bundesliga) for EJ Kassel as a 13-year-old, and had 58 goals and 89 points in 26 games that year. Despite playing in the lower group with relatively weak competition, it is impressive to put up those numbers as a kid playing against 16-year-olds. He even played eight games for the under-18 team and scored four goals and seven points.
2014-15: Valenti started the following season in the under-16 league again, but after scoring 30 goals and 43 points in nine games, he was called up to the under-19 team that plays in the DNL 2, Germany's second-tier junior league. There, he had 12 goals and 31 points in 30 games as a 14-year-old, playing against teenagers/young adults who are up to five years older than him.
2015-16: Valenti started his 15-year-old season in the DNL 2 again, but after posting 17 goals and 34 points in 13 games, he joined the Jungadler Mannheim of the top-tier DNL.
There, he appeared in 15 games and recorded five goals and 13 points, playing against Germany's best junior players up to the age of 20. Valenti also played 16 games in Group A of the under-16 Schüler Bundesliga - which was the original plan Mannheim had for him - and had 30 goals and 39 points.
2016-17: Valenti will likely play the entire 2016-17 campaign in the DNL and showcase his abilities heading into his first year of CHL Import Draft eligibility. Junior teams are already showing interest in him.
With all that stat talk and league explanation out of the way, let's get to some observations:
Valenti is not only a terrific offensive player, but he displays great two-way ability. In Mannheim, he even spent time playing defense and got time on the penalty kill. At 5-foot-9 and 159, he is weaker than many of his opponents, but he makes up for that with great defensive awareness and aggressive play. He is a hard worker who does not shy away from being physical despite his small frame. A quick and agile skater - forward and backwards -, Valenti has little problems on the backcheck.
But, the area in which he excels is obviously offense. He plays hard, accurate outlet passes and can carry the puck out of danger himself. Valenti has good vision and offensive awareness and processes the game quickly enough to make quick decisions. He can distribute the puck to his teammates and has a nose for the net himself.
That was a lot of positivity and, honestly, there is nothing to dislike about this kid so far. I have no doubt that some CHL team will pick him up at the 2017 Import Draft, and that's when we will really see what he can do. Keep an eye on him!