Prospect Info: Oskari Laaksonen (2017, 89th) 2018-19 Ilves - Traded to Dallas

[Jersey Fan 12]

Anyone watched him enough this year to know why he backslid so much? Not what I expected after how he broke out last season.

Article talks about his season — missed time with injury and then fewer power play opportunities.

Overall it sounds like his progress has been steady; though he has yet to sign an ELC.

Prospect Rewind: Laaksonen developed through adversity in 2019-20

 

[Jim Bob]

Oskari Laaksonen loaned to the Lahden Pelicans in Liiga

 

[joshjull]

 

[joshjull]

 

[UnleashRasmus]

He's getting his prospect value back big time.

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

 

[joshjull]

 

[Svedu]

Has anyone seen him in Rochester yet? Ever since his WJC´s I´ve had a feeling he can become a good top4 if everything goes right. He's calm with the puck and seems to be a guy who sees opportunities when attacking. Like the way he improvises and just seems to "go with the flow" sometimes. That gives me the impression of him being collected, or just having good IQ.
The thing is that Sabres have a lot of right D´s, especially two fellow finns who are considered as top4. Will be interesting to follow how the organization will solve this in the future.

If I got to choose? I would probably put my cards on Laaksonen and Jokiharju and trade Ristolainen next coming year. Well, Montour would be the first right handed D to get rid off, but there will probably not be any takers.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Well Montour is an UFA, while Risto and Miller are UFAs next year so none are impeding his progress.

 

[joshjull]

 

[joshjull]

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Attaboy, Cody Franson!

 

[1TuchAnd1NoTuch]

Apologies for being off topic but I’d see if Mascherin is available for one of our thirds. Would bring him close to home and has always seemed talented.

 

[UnleashRasmus]

Apologies for being off topic but I’d see if Mascherin is available for one of our thirds. Would bring him close to home and has always seemed talented.

Mascherin isn't worth a third round pick.

 

[flashsabre]

I think Oskari is the most overlooked Sabres prospect by a long shot.

 

[Jacob582]

Oskari Laaksonen stated his weight is up to 185 pounds (per Marty Biron)

It was interesting reading the 1st post in this thread.

db and elite still has him at 165. Also listed 165 on the Sabres Devils prospect tourney roster.

 

[Kc232]

What do you think the timetable is for Oskari?

I remember being impressed with him for a few years now, but obviously doesn't get much chatter. I'd think this year would be nice to see him as an injury replacement for at least a few games.

 

[Matt Ress]

What do you think the timetable is for Oskari?

I remember being impressed with him for a few years now, but obviously doesn't get much chatter. I'd think this year would be nice to see him as an injury replacement for at least a few games.

Being a rightie helps. I think you still want to see more meat on his bones and see him build off of last year's 17 in 28

 

[zuikan]

I don’t care how much he weighs, put him in for Miller and let’s get a look.

 

[Zman5778]

What do you think the timetable is for Oskari?

I remember being impressed with him for a few years now, but obviously doesn't get much chatter. I'd think this year would be nice to see him as an injury replacement for at least a few games.

If we trade Miller at the deadline (which I'm hopeful for, as I think he could fetch something decent), I could easily see him getting a taste afterwards. Him and Fitz.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I don’t care how much he weighs, put him in for Miller and let’s get a look.

He isn't a good enough hockey player so that's not a great idea. He'd be chewed up in the NHL.

 

[zuikan]

He isn't a good enough hockey player so that's not a great idea. He'd be chewed up in the NHL.

Neither is Miller. And not long ago Tage was (supposedly) the dumbest hockey player ever, now he’s holding his own at center. Let the giraffe whisperer work his magic. Even Eakin is missed.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Neither is Miller. And not long ago Tage was (supposedly) the dumbest hockey player ever, now he’s holding his own at center. Let the giraffe whisperer work his magic. Even Eakin is missed.

Those players were all proven at the lower levels. Tage seemed out of place in the AHL, he was so dominant at times. Laaksonen hasn't proven much of anything.

 

[zuikan]

Those players were all proven at the lower levels. Tage seemed out of place in the AHL, he was so dominant at times. Laaksonen hasn't proven much of anything.

Yeah, I'm aware. And it wouldn't be good for his development. My post was more about something needs to be done about Miller and the mystique Granato is building for himself.

 

[Jacob582]

Laaksonen is one of my favorite prospects.

He is not ready for the NHL. I'm not sure he is even average AHL level defensive play. He needs to develop in this facet and improve several fold.

Coach Appert said that Buffalo has Dahlin and other NHL teams have one first PP quarterback. So Laaaksonen needs to improve his defensive play and transition game to make the NHL.