By comparing him to Karlsson you are unknowingly comparing him to all-time greats like Coffey, Leetch etc.. because thats where Karlsson is headed.
Vatanen may be comparable in size and playing style, but that is where the comparison should stop.
Karlsson a year ago put up 45 points on one of the lowest scoring teams in the league. Sens fans saw a breakout coming, we just didn't expect it this soon and to such a degree.
You are overhyping Karlsson way more than anyone has overrated Vatanen
His size is still a big concern to me. We've also haven't seen how his play will turn out in North America. Seems like the prototypical boom/bust type prospect.
Not to me, he's incredibly competitive and smart he will just need time to transition to the smaller rinks
Thought I'd bump this as today was Vatanen's first real taste of American hockey and I can say without a doubt that the hype is justified. He was the best player on the ice for either team (Norfolk and Winchester) by a very large margin. He skates so effortlessly, his positioning is excellent, he's got a booming slapshot, and he even throws the body around when necessary. He also seemed to never leave the ice. It's only been one game but if this is the standard for what's to come from Sami Vatanen, the loss of Justin Schultz should be an easy one to swallow.
EDIT: Had an assist tonight but that didn't even scratch the surface of what he did that game.
He doesnt belong in the AHL. Kid is gonna be amazing.
That's how I would describe it. If the NHL were to start today, I wouldn't hesitate to bench Lydman in place of Sami. I wouldn't even call Sami a prospect anymore. The kid is a pro.
Best thing here is that these were hes first strides on smaller rink which by the way has bigger offensive zone than FEL rinks. Imagine after he gets used to it i'm expecting at least .75p/game.
Best thing here is that these were hes first strides on smaller rink which by the way has bigger offensive zone than FEL rinks. Imagine after he gets used to it i'm expecting at least .75p/game.
That's what finns have been saying about 2 years for now. Americans just didn't believe it and the prospect list makers still don't. he's right there with Granlund (I personally prefer Vatanen) as a prospect.
That's what finns have been saying about 2 years for now. Americans just didn't believe it and the prospect list makers still don't. he's right there with Granlund as a prospect.
I wanted to see him play professionally before I let my homer instincts kick in.
I wanted to see him play professionally before I let my homer instincts kick in.
Well, the size issue was a legitimate concern.
Just to add to the chorus Sami was awesome. I'm also completely happy with taking Hampus at six. Lindholm will take longer than Sami to get in a Ducks sweater, but he'll be wearing one for sure.
Sami looks no smaller out there than say a Timmonen or Enstrom, and he seems to use his stick pretty well defensively, I think if he can be matched with a good physical stay at home D his size will be far less of a concern. This is the guys first game in a pro NA league he had a couple of end to end rushes that almost resulted in goals, and I thought he QB'd the PP well, when PK'ers come to pressure him he handles it like nothing, he easily played atleast 20 minutes, maybe even 25
Sami looks no smaller out there than say a Timmonen or Enstrom, and he seems to use his stick pretty well defensively, I think if he can be matched with a good physical stay at home D his size will be far less of a concern. This is the guys first game in a pro NA league he had a couple of end to end rushes that almost resulted in goals, and I thought he QB'd the PP well, when PK'ers come to pressure him he handles it like nothing, he easily played atleast 20 minutes, maybe even 25
I think he is listed at like 190 now. For how short he is and how fast he is, that is pretty big.
Any highlights anywhere? I would love to watch the game but I'm thinking not to buy the archived game with a worse than ****** quality for seven dollars.
Any highlights anywhere? I would love to watch the game but I'm thinking not to buy the archived game with a worse than ****** quality for seven dollars.
don't waste your money, the AHL is a joke for charging so much for such a crappy stream
He is such a mature guy. In his first men's world champs he noticed his d-partner was offensive-minded and he concentrated to play hard-checking and smart defense.
He takes initiatives all over the ice and is such a nice player to have. Close to as smart a player as Mikko Koivu and Kimmo Timonen. You just feel calm when you have him out there. The very opposite of mistake prone.
