Granlund could make a big impact on the Wild next year, but there a ton of factors in play such as moving across seas, getting accustomed to the travel in the NHL. The good part is we have Koivu and Backstrom who should be able to help him.
Granlund has developed so much this season. Better offensive and miles ahead in his own end. In the first half of the season there were (legitimate) concerns whether Granlund as number 1. center was a wise choice from HIFK. Then he got concussed and people worried but he came back and has shown to truly be worth that number 1 spot. A complete beast especially in the playoffs.
He appears to be very clutch too. I was watching Jokerit-Hifk game 7 where he scored 1+1 I think. And now it was HIFK's first chance to guarantee a spot in the finals and he scores 2+3. I have really high hopes for this guy. My guess would be at worst 40-50 point 2/3 line centre who's responsible in the defensive zone and at best 70-80 top line center.
EDIT: Projections over time, not next season if he comes over
A question for our Finnish friends: how do you think Granlund would stand up to the goonery and general physicality of the NHL game?
Good question, having watched MG play +20 times this year i have to say even tho he is doing very well point wise, his body is not ready for the NHL. The skill and vision is there, but he's still missing that something that would let him succeed in the NA. Off course it's possible for him to improve these things during the summer. Therefore: Get him to the camp, if he seems ready, go for it. Otherwise get him back to Finland, AHL at this point has potential to kill his career IMO.
Good question, having watched MG play +20 times this year i have to say even tho he is doing very well point wise, his body is not ready for the NHL. The skill and vision is there, but he's still missing that something that would let him succeed in the NA. Off course it's possible for him to improve these things during the summer. Therefore: Get him to the camp, if he seems ready, go for it. Otherwise get him back to Finland, AHL at this point has potential to kill his career IMO.
Yeah to the camp and if he isnt ready yet HIFK is the better solution and some nationalteam games instead of the ahl.
We'll just see in camp. Looking at Spurgeon just skating warmups in camp I was like "LOL no way!" then i was immediately impressed by his physical play. Well, not really physical play, but...Demeanor. Wasn't shy at all about getting hit or rubbed along the boards. Made him stand out immediately for me--and that led me to watch him more.
Not worried about Granlund fearing physical play but i'm a little worried that he'll open himself up to it too much. I can see him having to find the perfect balance coming from the opposite end of Bouchard...Feeling your way into it from the careless side instead of the cautious side.
now that you say cowbell it won't stop sounding in my head. Speaking of cows...Texas. In all the interviews I've been reading lately from the call-ups they always mention the great coaching down in Houston. It seems to be emphasized. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but...
Look, I'm no Richards basher but it seems like coaching is getting almost all of the credit from everyone for the Aero's unlikely success this season. Could this be the young players lobbying for their guy since they suspect Richards is out the door?
After reading through the HF top prospects as they come out, it looks like Granlund has either been shafted by their editorial board, or he is in the top 10. Methinks the latter....
now that you say cowbell it won't stop sounding in my head. Speaking of cows...Texas. In all the interviews I've been reading lately from the call-ups they always mention the great coaching down in Houston. It seems to be emphasized. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but...
Look, I'm no Richards basher but it seems like coaching is getting almost all of the credit from everyone for the Aero's unlikely success this season. Could this be the young players lobbying for their guy since they suspect Richards is out the door?
best ppg and most points i think 
