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

[Jagemon]

Interview by the team he plays on

Few tidbits from the interview.

"Being drafted was not a suprise but it came bit sooner than he expected. That the team was the Sabres wasn't unexpected."

He will be joining the development camp 6.7.

Will be most likely in the juniors but tries to reach the mens team. Obviously sees himself more Karlsson type considering he is more in his element on the offensive side of the puck.


Also CAUTION! Do not try to use google translate on this.. it comes out as a jibberish.

 

[ue]

From Laaksonen's club's home site: http://ilves.com/uutiset/2017/06/30/oskari-laaksonen-haaveilee-jo-liigapeleista

Laaksonen apparently had mononucleosis last fall which affected his last season a bit. He said it decreased his strength and had to start the season in the B-juniors.

Currently he is training in a group with other young players including Juuso Välimäki (#16 pick) and Henri Jokiharju (#29 pick). The group is coached by two time aerobics world champion Jouni Viitanen and former Liiga player Juho Jokiharju, who is Henri's father.

Laaksonen said the draft itself didn't come as a surprise as he had talked to a few other teams as well.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[UnleashRasmus]

Priceless! That's simply astounding. He's the great mystery for sure. We'll see if he can continue to add size.

 

[Reddawg]

Great articles, here's hoping the unknown kid turns out to be an absolute gem.

 

[The Blunder Years]

He looked great at camp. Such a smooth skater and a great puckhandler. Couple years overseas will do wonders for his strength and physicality. I like this pick a lot. Very interesting player.

 

[Dingo44]

I think there was a lot of question about why we drafted this guy where we did if no one knew who he was. But from what he says the Sabres were not the only team to talk to him. Plus, if they are looking at their list, and if they think this kid is better than anyone else left on the list, then you draft him at that point.

 

[Noma]

Scouting report on Oskari Laaksonen in FinnProspects: https://finnprospects.com/player/oskari-laaksonen/

He has started his season with Ilves U20 scoring 0G, 2A in three games being -2 in plus-minus.

 

[LaxSabre]

@SabresProspects - September 9 - Oskari Laaksonen time on ice through five U20 games -
23:35 - 23:25 - 23:14 - 27:04 - 25:06 - Average - 24:29.

 

[Chainshot]

Again playing north of 20 minutes a night.

 

[LaxSabre]

Rob Vanderwerf‏ @VandyManBflo - How would you rate him as a prospect?

@SabresProspects - He's B range prospect. Likes to skate and set up the offense.
He is the QB of the PP. Like all his age, needs to get stronger and add mustard to shot. Longer range.

 

[Woodhouse]

Since Laaksonen's only played Jr.-A and below, I was wondering if we might see his name pop up with an NCAA commitment but then found the link to a Finnish article mentioned in the tweet below:

 

[Noma]

Laaksonen is going to make his pro debut with Ilves tomorrow:

 

[Noma]

Laaksonen recorded an assist in his first pro-game. FinnProspects report can be read here: Oskari Laaksonen | FinnProspects.com

 

[LaxSabre]

Kris Baker‏ @SabresProspects -
Oskari Laaksonen (7:49 TOI) recorded an assist in his first-ever Liiga contest Tuesday as Ilves dropped a 6-5 OT decision to HPK. Laaksonen looked good in his eight minutes. Settled in after first two shifts. Carried puck with confidence. Helper came on PP as he worked top of zone. Moved to middle, forced D to slide, opened up right side. Slid puck to the circle for second assist. Good building block.

 

[Chainshot]

His assist is just an opportunity play where he moves the puck and it eventually goes in. It's about 3:00 in this highlight package.

Otteluseuranta | Ilves - HPK 9.1.2018 | Liiga

 

[Noma]

Laaksonen played his career-high 22:01 last night and got praises from their head coach.

New scouting report including the coach comments here: Oskari Laaksonen | FinnProspects.com

 

[LaxSabre]

Kris Baker‏ @SabresProspects -
March is being good to Ilves D Oskari Laaksonen as far as his development/Liiga workload goes.
He played 22:01 yesterday and 16:44 today. He also picked up his third professional assist today.

 

[Chainshot]

21st game with Ilves today. Playing third pairing with Piskula. Seems they've taken the wraps off a bit, judging by the gallops up through the neutral zone. Doesn't hurt that his team is up 5-1 in the third.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[AustonsNostrils]

 

[Chainshot]

Being out there with guys like Nyman makes him seem all that much taller.

 

[UnleashRasmus]

I think it's quite impressive that he was on that top PP unit being an unnamed unknown prospect not on anyone's top 100 list. Awesome, keep up these type of picks Sabres Scouting Department.

 

[AustonsNostrils]

Did anyone confirm his absence from Sabres dev camp was a military obligation thing?

 

[1972]

He looks like a bender