Confirmed with Link: Sharks sign Joonas Donskoi (2 year ELC)

[Kuhta]

I think he has an excellent shot at making it to a regular NHLer. The interesting thing is how he can adapt to lesser role in more competitive environment. In Liiga he is fast, strong, creative and that allowed him to go into 'bully mode' and do everything by himself. If he is humble enough to adjust to his new position in an NHL team and then work his way up, good things should come.

 

[Suurikelmi]

Interview.
http://yle.fi/urheilu/donskoi_satsaa_kovaan_kesaan_mahdollisuus_ottaa_paikka_ylhaalta/8008258

Joonas Donskoi is excited to try to get a spot in NHL next fall. Finnish forward signed a contract with San Jose after the World Championship.

- Sharks is a brilliant organization and a very succesful one. They wanted me there and it feels like there's a chance to grap a spot in the big team.

Donskoi believes that the spot in the NHL group is within reach if his summer training is spot on. The cunning forward knows that he might have to go to farm to reach his goal.

- It wouldn't be an end of the world. It will certainly take some time to adjust to NA style.

Todd McLellan leaves Sharks and moves to Edmonton. Donskoi is certain that Sharks has clear plans despite the departure of a good coach.

- There are some experienced, succesful, more aged players in the team. They are looking for new blood there.

NHL was the only option for Donskoi when contract offers began pouring in.

- That was obvious. The goals have been in NA for a long time. NHL has been the place I want to play in, Donskoi concludes.

 

[drunksage]

Interview.
http://yle.fi/urheilu/donskoi_satsaa_kovaan_kesaan_mahdollisuus_ottaa_paikka_ylhaalta/8008258

Thanks for the link and translation! Good to know he's reasonable about the AHL.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Thanks for the link and translation! Good to know he's reasonable about the AHL.

Yah. thanks for the translation.

I really liked how it got translated to 'cunning' forward. Wonder if that is what it really means?

 

[Huokaus]

Yah. thanks for the translation.

I really liked how it got translated to 'cunning' forward. Wonder if that is what it really means?

Kinda ye, kinda not. Many ways to translate the word "juonikas", I think 'crafty' would be better here

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

Kinda ye, kinda not. Many ways to translate the word "juonikas", I think 'crafty' would be better here

Gotcha. I know things get lost in translation a lot. Sometimes, the matching word does not even exist in English ..

 

[Hold the Pickles]

Crafty is good. I think thats why I like tierney so much, he's crafty as well.

 

[SactoShark]

Shootout specialist is a bit of an under appreciated thing. Sharks lost 6 of them. That's a lot of points in a tough division.

 

[SabresSharks]

Interview.
http://yle.fi/urheilu/donskoi_satsaa_kovaan_kesaan_mahdollisuus_ottaa_paikka_ylhaalta/8008258

Joonas Donskoi is excited to try to get a spot in NHL next fall. Finnish forward signed a contract with San Jose after the World Championship.

- Sharks is a brilliant organization and a very succesful one. They wanted me there and it feels like there's a chance to grap a spot in the big team.
.
.
.
Todd McLellan leaves Sharks and moves to Edmonton. Donskoi is certain that Sharks has clear plans despite the departure of a good coach.

- There are some experienced, succesful, more aged players in the team. They are looking for new blood there.

Nice pickup.

Why so keen on the Sharks? Don't know what other teams expressed interest, but it sounds like he thought his best chance at cracking an NHL roster was with San Jose. Was that the appeal?

 

[Led Zappa]

Nice pickup.

Why so keen on the Sharks? Don't know what other teams expressed interest, but it sounds like he thought his best chance at cracking an NHL roster was with San Jose. Was that the appeal?

The Karlsson effect

 

[SactoShark]

The Karlsson effect

… then took a look at the Baracuda forward depth.

 

[The Ice Hockey Dude]

I like this signing.

given the lack of high end draft picks, DWs strategy is to look for players not drafted that are NHL ready, sign them, get them to camp, etc. It makes up for lack of prospects from picks and overall just adds to the prospect depth chart. ok with me, however, the chances of him finding a high end, impact player are slim as they would have been drafted, etc.

 

[FeedingFrenzy]

I like this signing.

given the lack of high end draft picks, DWs strategy is to look for players not drafted that are NHL ready, sign them, get them to camp, etc. It makes up for lack of prospects from picks and overall just adds to the prospect depth chart. ok with me, however, the chances of him finding a high end, impact player are slim as they would have been drafted, etc.

Don't entirely agree. There could be some guys that want to play in Europe and hone their skills there instead of coming here and playing. Could be a numbers thing. Less competition in Europe as opposed to NA. Playing in/for your country is a big deal to some.In Donskoi's case, he has done all he can playing there and now wants to play here. I wonder why he chose not to sign with FLA in 2010?

I think there are more GEMS lurking out there. Glad to see the Sharks going "Euro".

 

[Led Zappa]

Don't entirely agree. There could be some guys that want to play in Europe and hone their skills there instead of coming here and playing. Could be a numbers thing. Less competition in Europe as opposed to NA. Playing in/for your country is a big deal to some.In Donskoi's case, he has done all he can playing there and now wants to play here. I wonder why he chose not to sign with FLA in 2010?

I think there are more GEMS lurking out there. Glad to see the Sharks going "Euro".

Did Florida offer him an ELC? I haven't seen that.

 

[Past Considerations]

Did Florida offer him an ELC? I haven't seen that.

http://www.litterboxcats.com/2012/6...koi-to-part-ways-with-panthers-florida-karpat

 

[Mara]

Donskoi needs to add some mass during the summer if he wants to play with the big boys, right now he still falls over a bit too easily. With proper "guidance" that should be possible. Another one of his weaknesses is his shot. As skilled as he is he tends to miss too many opportunities.

 

[Led Zappa]

http://www.litterboxcats.com/2012/6...koi-to-part-ways-with-panthers-florida-karpat

Thanks. So it could have been money and/or promised playing time. He probably was no where close to NHL ready back then. Sounds like he could be now after some acclimation to NA ice.

 

[MardocAgain]

The Karlsson effect

This, but it goes beyond cracking the team. Sharks have shown to let these guys have a chance to play with top players. He'd have a shot at wing with Thornton (like Karlsson / Galiardi) or Couture. The chance to be on a line with top end player is probably big. On a team like Florida there's no way he'd crack Barkov's line, and after that their aren't many centers worth a damn.

 

[magic school bus]

Word hasn't spread to Finland yet... get those offers out there, DW.

 

[urho]

I wonder why he chose not to sign with FLA in 2010?

http://www.mtv.fi/sport/jaakiekko/n...lulle-ironinen-kaanne-vuosien-jalkeen/5108380

Donskoi said that he didn't sign with the Panthers because he didn't develop the way he wanted to early after he got drafted. He thought it would've been "a waste of time" to make an NHL-deal because he felt he had so much to improve even in FEL. He wanted to be absolutely sure that he could make it in the NHL before going there.

He also says that he got a lot of interest from other teams as well but chose SJ because he felt they wanted him the most and he likes the organisation.

Donskoi states that it's going to be a huge summer for him, he plans to get stronger and tougher to play against and work hard on his skating and shot. He knows the meaning of small things and is willing to put in all the work that's necessary. He says that he's grown as an athlete during the last two year and that's the reason behind his recent success and that's the way he's going to continue.

All and all I'd say he's got a realistic idea of what it takes to be an NHLer. He's also got the talent so he's got a good chance to make it.

 

[sooni]

Really i would start him with Marleau and Couture. That kid is so good. Maybe best Finnish skater at moment. Only thing he should improve is shooting and pure finishing. He is great passer so he will really produce more than people even expect of him.

 

[SactoShark]

He coincidentally sounds a bit like Jussi Jokinen.

 

[urho]

Really i would start him with Marleau and Couture. That kid is so good. Maybe best Finnish skater at moment. Only thing he should improve is shooting and pure finishing. He is great passer so he will really produce more than people even expect of him.

You can't mean that. Yes he's good and deserves a fair chance but he's not the best Finnish skater at the moment nor will he ever be.

 

[Quid Pro Clowe]

Nice pickup.

Why so keen on the Sharks? Don't know what other teams expressed interest, but it sounds like he thought his best chance at cracking an NHL roster was with San Jose. Was that the appeal?

European prospects love DW's sweet tan and were promised booth access.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Really i would start him with Marleau and Couture. That kid is so good. Maybe best Finnish skater at moment. Only thing he should improve is shooting and pure finishing. He is great passer so he will really produce more than people even expect of him.

I've actually thought that he might be a good fit there. Like a more dynamic, less defensive Nieto. Obviously it depends on if and how well Donskoi's game translates to the NHL, but on paper his skillset seems to fit.