Puhakka has surprised me (statistically of course, haven't seen any games) positively. Thought he would struggle in CHL like Markkula but he has played very well. Hopefully Kivi will take a good look at him next season if he continues to play in Chicoutimi.
Wouldn't be the biggest surprise if Kivi ends up selecting Puhakka to the team, he's capable of playing a smart two-way game and has some offensive upside as well. Some similarities with guys like Haapala and Kulmala from this year's team.
Marjamäki told Jesse is gonna have chance to Kärpät next season. And i think there is gonna be some holes on Kärpät roster cause some off the guys wanna bigger role.
Going to be a tough challenge for him, wingers like Suoranta, Mäenalanen, Leskinen and Aho will be battling for the same roster spot with him. And that's when we count out all the experinced guys.
Is this new for you to put Patrik Laine on this roster?
What are your reasons why him?
With 3 games left in the regular season Laine has 24 goals in 39 Jr.A games.
Toni Rajala had 13 goals in 33 Jr.A games the season before his first WJC’s. Joel Armia had 15 goals in 27 Jr.A games the season before his first WJC’s. Kasperi Kapanen had 14 goals in 36 Jr.A games last season and would’ve played at the WJC’s this season if healthy.
Jr.A this season with 16 teams might not be quite as competitive as it’s been in some past years, but if Laine’s development continues nicely, he should be a candidate to play at the next WJC’s. Not only does his stats compare favourably, he has a toolset that would fit well in our top-6; a big, rangy righty with a great shot and a knack for finding the back of the net.
Of course the summer needs to go well and he needs to continue to round out his game, but this applied to other scoring wingers I mentioned above as well. I’m an optimist and I’m counting on the fact that 15-year-old players often have the potential to develop very quickly. In Laine’s case development in overall conditioning alone should translate into notable improvement on the ice. Let’s see how it goes, in August we should be a lot wiser about his chances. Hlinka Cup and first pre-season games often tell a lot.