RD Lassi Thomson (2019, 19th, OTT; claimed by ANA; claimed by OTT)

[PKSpecialist]

You can learn defense but you can't get great offensive skills!

Common belief, but you aren't going to teach defense like Korczak plays. It isn't just his absolutely mistake free game, but he just doesn't make bad decisions with the puck either. I have talked to several scouts, and they all think the same - Korczak has the potential to be an absolutely elite defensive defenseman. That is not to say he has no offensive game to speak of, but he doesn't take risks. He doesn't make mistakes, and he is just as solid as they come as far as junior defensemen go. This is the kind of defender that Team Canada always looks for. A Vlasic type, who just refuses to give up his defensive positioning for offense, and when the puck is on his stick, he makes the smart play, not the risky play. He moves the puck forward in a positive manner and rarely gets caught on the wrong side of the puck. Thomson is certainly more flashy, but I don't know that his offensive game is good enough to make up for all of the risks, mistakes and turnovers he makes.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

2019 NHL Draft prospect profile: Lassi Thomson has all the pieces, but some assembly is required

 

[docbenton]

Common belief, but you aren't going to teach defense like Korczak plays. It isn't just his absolutely mistake free game, but he just doesn't make bad decisions with the puck either. I have talked to several scouts, and they all think the same - Korczak has the potential to be an absolutely elite defensive defenseman. That is not to say he has no offensive game to speak of, but he doesn't take risks. He doesn't make mistakes, and he is just as solid as they come as far as junior defensemen go. This is the kind of defender that Team Canada always looks for. A Vlasic type, who just refuses to give up his defensive positioning for offense, and when the puck is on his stick, he makes the smart play, not the risky play. He moves the puck forward in a positive manner and rarely gets caught on the wrong side of the puck. Thomson is certainly more flashy, but I don't know that his offensive game is good enough to make up for all of the risks, mistakes and turnovers he makes.

I don't think the 2 players are very close. Thomson is an elite prospect and Korczak is a nothing player. Korczak is not good enough on defense and he's not good enough at anything. Not making mistakes in junior hockey is not the hallmark of a good NHL defender, you see him challenged at the U18s and he's been a replacement level guy. Does he move the puck well? Nothing special. Is he a dominant physical player? Nope. Can he skate the puck out against pressure? Nope. Does he see the game brilliantly when defending? Nah.

On the other hand Thomson is an elite transition player and dangerous offensive player who has learned to defend well on top of that.

The majority of players fail because they're just not good enough at what they're supposed to be good at, not because they have flaws that can't be overcome or improved.

 

[Lays]

I don't think the 2 players are very close. Thomson is an elite prospect and Korczak is a nothing player. Korczak is not good enough on defense and he's not good enough at anything. Not making mistakes in junior hockey is not the hallmark of a good NHL defender, you see him challenged at the U18s and he's been a replacement level guy. Does he move the puck well? Nothing special. Is he a dominant physical player? Nope. Can he skate the puck out against pressure? Nope. Does he see the game brilliantly when defending? Nah.

On the other hand Thomson is an elite transition player and dangerous offensive player who has learned to defend well on top of that.

The majority of players fail because they're just not good enough at what they're supposed to be good at, not because they have flaws that can't be overcome or improved.

Thomson an elite prospect and Korczak a nothing player lol

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Ilves also "captured" 2 other interesting top young players, Maccelli from USHL and Päkkilä from Kärpät

 

[Stive Morgan]

I figured he'd stay in the WHL for one more year like Heponiemi did, especially with Kelowna hosting the Memorial Cup next season.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

I figured he'd stay in the WHL for one more year like Heponiemi did, especially with Kelowna hosting the Memorial Cup next season.

I am a little surprised at the decision at this point as well. Might have been something to get input from the team that drafts him on.

 

[TheWhiskeyThief]

Ilves also "captured" 2 other interesting top young players, Maccelli from USHL and Päkkilä from Kärpät

It’s an improvement in competition against men, but it’s still below the AHL and with Ilves you have a much better chance of getting a ton of ice time.

 

[TheWhiskeyThief]

Ilves also "captured" 2 other interesting top young players, Maccelli from USHL and Päkkilä from Kärpät

It’s an improvement in competition against men, but it’s still below the AHL and with Ilves you have a much better chance of getting a ton of ice time.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Our look

Lassi Thomson Scouting Report: 2019 NHL Draft #42

 

[islandurrs]

He should be grabbed in the first, would be very surprised if he's there on day 2. RHD who is strong at both ends of the ice, with a wicked shot. Some team is going to be very happy with him.

 

[alcolol]

Wouldn't be surprised if Anaheim selected him 29th overall.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

2019 NHL Draft prospect profile: Lassi Thomson has all the pieces, but some assembly is required

 

[MMC]

Welcome to Ottawa!

 

[uncleben]

Little bit of a reach for Ottawa, but IF he puts it together, could be a steal

Guess they had reason to believe he wouldn't make it to 32, despite all of the wisdom of fan mocks

 

[Get North]

He'll play in the NHL I think. Ottawa is one of the best scouting teams and Thomson's best tools are his skating and hockey sense. He's also a right shot and size is not a concern. There's a demand for RD, even if he leaves Ottawa, he will get contracts from other teams. He's a different build from Soderstorm and I would say more potential physically.

 

[S E P H]

I had him very high on my list and was stoked with he went to club who's scout team is as good as the Senators are.

I see a lot of ability to become a John Klingberg 2.0 type of defender. Sen fans have gone through a ton of (e)motions this season, but what a grab this lad is at 19th overall!

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

 

[Ippenator]

He does seem like a pretty darn good pick. His next season’s (most probably) coach Karri Kivi (Liiga team Ilves coach, and Finland’s 2014 U20 WJC gold medal coach) was just recently praising him very highly in an interview. He said that he is a great skater with a really hard shot, and that first of all he is extremely competitive, which has made it possible for him to take huge strides with his development lately. Kivi is a great coach and also very good at evaluating young players as well as helping them with their development. I have very high expectations on Thomson’s future really. Can’t wait to see him play for my favorite team (Ilves) in Liiga next season.

 

[derriko]

Has he signed a contract in Finland yet? I sure hope he can reverse that decision and go back to Kelowna if they sell a bit of their future and load up for a Memorial Cup. If they are going to be poor again, then by all means go to Finland.

If my math is correct since he's a 2000 born he is eligible for the AHL after another season in the dub. I'd like to see him continue to learn the N/A game especially as it concerns to his defensive positioning.

 

[Ippenator]

Has he signed a contract in Finland yet? I sure hope he can reverse that decision and go back to Kelowna if they sell a bit of their future and load up for a Memorial Cup. If they are going to be poor again, then by all means go to Finland.

If my math is correct since he's a 2000 born he is eligible for the AHL after another season in the dub. I'd like to see him continue to learn the N/A game especially as it concerns to his defensive positioning.

I seriously think that the best thing for his development is playing in Liiga for Ilves. I mean, Karri kivi is a magnificent coach especially for young rising stars like him. Also Liiga is much, much better in class than any junior league, so he will learn a lot more through that too. And I have understood that he has already a contract with Ilves for the next season. Just not sure what kind of a nature that contract has, so could it be reversed in some situation? But I highly doubt it anyway is possible that he has any more of junior seasons in either North America or in Finland.

 

[FinPanda]

Has he signed a contract in Finland yet? I sure hope he can reverse that decision and go back to Kelowna if they sell a bit of their future and load up for a Memorial Cup. If they are going to be poor again, then by all means go to Finland.

If my math is correct since he's a 2000 born he is eligible for the AHL after another season in the dub. I'd like to see him continue to learn the N/A game especially as it concerns to his defensive positioning.

He will get a lot of chances and he has a chance to play in his junior career team in mens league. He has a great coach who isn't afraid to give opportunities to young players. Ilves is an excellent team for a young player.

 

[kelsier]

I'll definitely concur with what the others have said about the coach. As good as they come. And of course someone who's not afraid to give out opportunities to young promising players.