When Liljegren started dropping 2017 draft, I thought the flames were going to snap him up, but they went with Valimaki instead and the the Leafs got him in the next round. As such, I've become interested in how these players match up head to head and am curious about other fans opinions, they're tough to compare head to head as they've always played in different leagues: Valimaki spent his Draft+1 as PPG two-way #1 defenseman on team that made to the 3rd round in the WHL playoffs, Liljegren got 17 points in 44 season games and 4 points in 20 playoff games with the AHL champions.
Draft +1 stats seem to favour Lilegren, but I can't really comment in any detail on how his season went. Valimaki is noticeably bigger which may tip things in his favour in the long term: Liljegren is a little undersized for a defender @ 6'0, 190 lbs, Valimaki is average sized @ 6'2, 204 lbs.
Foote and Brannstrom were also picked right before these guys, so if anyone wants to weigh in on how those 2 guys compare I'd love to hear it.
Draft +1 stats seem to favour Lilegren, but I can't really comment in any detail on how his season went. Valimaki is noticeably bigger which may tip things in his favour in the long term: Liljegren is a little undersized for a defender @ 6'0, 190 lbs, Valimaki is average sized @ 6'2, 204 lbs.
Foote and Brannstrom were also picked right before these guys, so if anyone wants to weigh in on how those 2 guys compare I'd love to hear it.