Prospect Info: Joel Armia

[gbill2004*]

I don't see a Joel Armia thread yet. I'm curious what others on here project for him. I've read that he's a projected 2nd line winger in the NHL who could be ready as early as this season. Does he slot in now into our top overall prospects, behind Ehlers?

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[mikko1995]

As someone who followed him in Finland and tried to keep a look out while he's been in the AHL, I see him as a 30-30, maybe a 35-35 guy if everything goes perfectly in his prime. I think his problem will be his defensive game and effort level, although both of the have gotten better. He is a big guy, but I'm not sure if he is as willing to work along the boards and do the dirty work as you may want. As far as where I would put him in the line-up; I'd say he would probably be more suited as a 2nd liner, though he will probably be at least 'OK' as a 1st liner.

 

[KingBogo]

I see Armia as a very interesting addition. And very possibly a roster player by season's end. He certainly has the draft pedigree being a 16th overall pick in 2011, 9 spots behind Scheifele. The scouting reports from his draft year talk about an enticing blend of offensive skill and size. Played in the Finnish men's league as an 18 & 19 yo and had to fulfill military service obligation. Came to NA last season and struggled adapting to the North American game. But from everything I've read has really turned things around this season. Reportedly the best player in Rochester this season, showing a real willingness to work on the weaker ares of is game. IMO there is a real chance we picked up a second line sniper yesterday.

 

[TannedBum]

I think his problem will be his defensive game and effort level, although both of the have gotten better. He is a big guy, but I'm not sure if he is as willing to work along the boards and do the dirty work as you may want.

It seems like you don't know what you are talking about. You just described Armia's last season before playoffs. I have seen almost every game of him since 2010-2011, and it's crystal clear at this point, that Armia doesn't have anymore problems with his defensive game, effort level or boardplay. Heck, by now he is also impressive penalty killer! He's more than ready to NHL, but probably needs few games to adjust before he will produce.

 

[Jetabre]

He instantly becomes our best call-up from the AHL I think. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he got a few AHL games to assess him first then gets called up and tried in that 3rd line spot beside Lowry and Stafford/Frolik. Look forward to seeing his progression.

 

[PhilJets]

He instantly becomes our best call-up from the AHL I think. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he got a few AHL games to assess him first then gets called up and tried in that 3rd line spot beside Lowry and Stafford/Frolik. Look forward to seeing his progression.

can Frolik be flip to the left side?

Ladd Little Wheeler
Perrault Schiefele Stafford
Frolik Lowry Armia
Thorburn Slater Halischuk

for the stretch run?

is Peluso, Galliardi better options?
How about Klingberg, Odell

 

[Jetabre]

can Frolik be flip to the left side?

Ladd Little Wheeler
Perrault Schiefele Stafford
Frolik Lowry Armia
Thorburn Slater Halischuk

for the stretch run?

is Peluso, Galliardi better options?
How about Klingberg, Odell

Yes Frolik can play both sides. He'd be leading the caps in points per game so I'd be inclined to think he'd be better than a Klingberg or O'Dell, but having never seen him play I can't give any certainties on who's better, I wouldn't be surprised if he was called up to play on the third line even this year after assessing him in the AHL for a bit though.

 

[Edgar Halliwax]

Am I the only one who never heard of Joel Armia before - and when I found out he was from Finland was just a bit surprised ? Not a Finnish sounding name that's for sure...

From what I've read and seen (YouTube clips) since the trade, it looks like he has a good chance to find a spot on the Jets at some point. Really like that he has been a dominant player on the Buffalo farm club this season. Sounds like many of the Sabres fans couldn't figure out why he wasn't given more of a chance with the big club this season.

 

[sipowicz]

He instantly becomes our best call-up from the AHL I think. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he got a few AHL games to assess him first then gets called up and tried in that 3rd line spot beside Lowry and Stafford/Frolik. Look forward to seeing his progression.

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

Kind of surprised some of you haven't already suggested:

Ladd, Little, Armia.....

 

[PhilJets]

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

i guess sometimes it's luck

see postma, there are a few teams that he can be a regular player, one or two in top 4.

But here with all the RHDs we have, he is buried forever.

same with rookies, im not sure about Sabres RW situation, also maybe they didn't want to rush him in a lost season.

 

[YWGinYYZ]

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

Kind of surprised some of you haven't already suggested:

Ladd, Little, Armia.....

He suffered from some injuries last year, and it probably has more than a little to do with this on the Buffalo side:

 

[Jetabre]

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

Kind of surprised some of you haven't already suggested:

Ladd, Little, Armia.....

Apparently he was always injured everytime Buffalo was looking for a call up. Among other possible reasons such as not wanting to subject him to a tank squad.

 

[Howard Chuck]

He instantly becomes our best call-up from the AHL I think. So yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he got a few AHL games to assess him first then gets called up and tried in that 3rd line spot beside Lowry and Stafford/Frolik. Look forward to seeing his progression.

Craig Button said the same thing this morning on the radio.

 

[allan5oh]

One thing I like about him is how he keeps his head up and hands high on the stick. A lot like trouba. he doesn't seem to look down at the puck.

 

[TehDoak]

As a Sabres fan, I was very excited at his skill set to start.

But, he's been very slow developing. I certainly see him as a NHLer still, but, I think he's probably more of a consistent 20-25 goal big bodied guy than the 30-40 goal forward we hoped he would be when he drafted him

Surefire NHLer though. Has nice hands and a good tool set. He was going to be in the NHL next year for sure.

 

[Prins Filip]

It is pretty fascinating that Armia went from pure boom or bust -project to have a very versatile skillset. When drafted he seemed to be that kind of dangling sniper that would be thriving in the 1st line next or return to Europe. Now I could imagine him to play pretty much any role in the team, such as a winger in shutdown 2nd line, 3rd line PP specialist or the clutch goal scorer in the 1st line.

Just hoping he stays healthy and is able to adjust the offensive tempo and decision making to the NHL level.

And after posting and seeing my avatar next to this post, I cant stop thinking the similiarities between him and F.Forsberg. I'd say Armia may not have the smooth and effortless skating Filip does, but along the bigger frame Armia has, they play pretty alike.

 

[GaryinPrague]

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

Kind of surprised some of you haven't already suggested:

Ladd, Little, Armia.....

Why if you are buffalo management, want your top prospect playing with them, maybe to finish 3rd last in the league instead of 1st,or 2nd last and screw up the biggest draft since Crosby?

 

[flyingpig]

How does a guy that can't crack the lineup of the worst Team in the NHL just come in and waltz into the Jets lineup, I mean Buffalo didn't exactly have great forwards to begin with and this guy not even making that squad is a little problematic you don't think?

Kind of surprised some of you haven't already suggested:

Ladd, Little, Armia.....

I think he has the potential to be a great player. Has been playing against men for a while. Great shot, great hands, will pass also. He has been slow developing. His jump to NA took time . He had a hand injury last year that hampered his rookie season in the AHL. He has been playing well this year, although not always consistently.

Part of the reason he was not up in Buffalo was to protect his further development in the North American game. Management believes in simmering its prospects the old fashion way, especially after seeing Grigorenko rushed along. Further, He is a top six guy who needs to earn a top six spot. He was just getting there and I suspect he would have been playing for Buffalo after the deadline had he not been traded.

Hope he works out for you.

 

[GJF]

I'm pumped about Armia. Back at that draft, I was high on him and read his scouting report closely.

 

[jorbjorb]

I can't see this dude making the team. not now at least. Still has to put up better numbers in the AHL imo

 

[Howard Chuck]

Watching his highlights on Youtube, he looks like an NHL player now. I don't usually get that sense with a lot of prospects. His skating, positioning (while on camera), puckhandling, shot, poise etc all seem better than what we are running with Thorburn.

 

[Romang67]

I can't see this dude making the team. not now at least. Still has to put up better numbers in the AHL imo

Keep in mind that he has a higher point production per game than all of our AHL players this season. I'm gonna have to watch him play, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is our best option for third line winger soon.

 

[indigobuffalo]

Joel Armia​

Drafted 16th Overall in the 2011 Draft by the Buffalo Sabres
TSN - Bob McKenzie Final Projection for 2011 Draft Class: Projected 14th overall
TSN - Craig Button Final Projection for 2011 Draft Class: Projected 19th Overall

TSN Scouting Report

TSN Scout Grant McCagg:
Scored 18 goals in the Finnish Elite League, yet Armia saw his stock drop slightly this season due to inconsistent efforts on the international stage. Led Finland with 13 points in the U-18's.
Strengths - Already has the size and skill to compete against men, decent skater, strong, good hands, can really dangle with the puck, hard shot.
Weaknesses - Questionable work ethic, would rather poke check than hit an opponent, lacks competitiveness.
NHL Upside - May be a boom or bust prospect, has the size and offensive abilities to be a top six forward, but will have to work harder on and off the ice to achieve that goal. He's risky, but the rewards may be worth the risk.

Hockey's Future: 7.0 B Prospect

Talent Analysis
A budding power forward, Armia is one of Finland’s most heralded young players. He has a rare combination of size and goal-scoring ability, using his 6’3 to shield the puck and soft hands to stickhandle and shoot. He needs to work on his defensive play, especially 1-on-1, and his skating ability.

TSN Player Bio:

Scouting Report
Assets
Has good size for the National Hockey League game, plus the soft hands and instincts of a natural sniper. Knows where to be in score goals and also has two-way upside.
Flaws
Needs to display greater shift-to-shift consistency and stop taking shifts off in order to maximize his NHL potential. Also needs to add more bulk for North America.
Career potential
Talented scoring winger with upside.

 

[indigobuffalo]

I think those analyses are posted in order of oldest to most recent. Hopefully that helps give you Jets fans some idea of the player you'll be watching soon.

 

[indigobuffalo]

Watching his highlights on Youtube, he looks like an NHL player now. I don't usually get that sense with a lot of prospects. His skating, positioning (while on camera), puckhandling, shot, poise etc all seem better than what we are running with Thorburn.

What is this? A limbo party? Set the bar as low as it can go...

I would be a feat to find someone less qualified than Thorburnt.