It's not because of this one bad play but I haven't been overly impressed with Ristolainen. He's big and pretty physical and can skate and move the puck, but his decision making seems questonable to me sometimes (For excample when he plays the body when he should play the puck or vice versa). I see him as a first round pick but not top ten like some others. Obviously still a good prospect for sure.
And after all, I'm far from a professional scout, so what would I know.
Want to know more about potential first round pick Artturi Lehkonen?
With all the attention on Barkov and Ristolainen this guy is flying under radar for North American posters. Artturi Lehkonen is smallish 5'11 and 159lbs winger foward who is quite late born 2013 draftee so he is still potentially growing.He's playing on the top line with NYR Derek Stepan in his senior club which is one of the best teams in FEL.
I would describe him as european version of Zach Parise(playing style). This guy just competes very hard in every shift and has very good work ethic. He isn't offense only player. He is good in the defensive zone and he is used as PK specialist in finnish junior national teams. Offensively i would describe him as sneaky player. He's full of suprises in the offensive zone. He's as dangerous without the puck than with it. Reads very well if the defenders goes out of the position and takes full advantages off those mistakes. Has excellent shot, speed, vision.
He's definety an goal scorer. He's good at putting the pucks from the rebounds and deflections. He can snipe it or deke it. He is very versatile goal scorer. Offensively i see alot of Selänne(again playing style) in him aswell. How effectively he shoots, how he skates past defenders and how sneaky they are. Lehkonen was best scorer on U18 WC as an underager and had most points in U20 tournament in sundsvall. But he's great playmaker aswell.
I like alot that Lehkonen is always on the game and never plays in the perimeter. Works on the dirty area and doesen't shy away anything or respect older players.
Currently listed as #13 in ISS for the draft and have quietly been consistent first rounder in most of the list. He will most likely play couple years in FEL after getting drafted but has excellent enviroment to develope.
His biggest flaw at the moment is his strength. He could end up as 6'0 very well. He plays alot bigger than he is. At times he seems to be too brave especially for his size. Right now he has to learn more about his physical limits to prevent injuries. Once he get stronger and physically more matured he can play the game which he plays right now.
ISS on Lehkonen:
"ISS Top 30 #13 Artturi Lehkonen Goal scorer, quick stick, nose for net. Strong work ethic & competes hard."
Current stats:
31GP 9G+12A=21Points which is enough for 2nd place in his team scoring. Derek Stepan has 4points in 12 games.
Great one as with Barkov, Thomast. Thanks for these.
Thanks alot!
Great clip from Lehkonen:
You can see his burning intensity from that clip. Lehkonen is 16 year old in that clip and barely 5'9 150lbs fighting against 6'7 225lbs physical former fringe NHL defenseman Kristian Kudroc at the boards. This guy just never gives up and is fearless.
You can see his burning intensity from that clip. Lehkonen is 16 year old in that clip and barely 5'9 150lbs fighting against 6'7 225lbs physical former fringe NHL defenseman Kristian Kudroc at the boards. This guy just never gives up and is fearless.
There's some SISU in this kid indeed, i think Hagman who is pissed off is pretty close comparison to Lehkonen(haven't watched him lately, waiting till U20 if he's selected even)?
There's some SISU in this kid indeed, i think Hagman who is pissed off is pretty close comparison to Lehkonen(haven't watched him lately, waiting till U20 if he's selected even)?
Without injuries Lehkonen is lock for team Finland. I would compare him to Zach Parise if we look at their playing style. His favourite player in the NHL is Jeff Carter tho.
Parise is good comparison but imo Parise is little more north-south type player. Lehkonen can score with he's shot, Parise is more of a garbage man with he's excellent timing and hands.
Lehkonen might become one in smaller rink though. Excited to see what he can do at WJCs.
Parise is good comparison but imo Parise is little more north-south type player. Lehkonen can score with he's shot, Parise is more of a garbage man with he's excellent timing and hands.
Lehkonen might become one in smaller rink though. Excited to see what he can do at WJCs.
That is true that Zach Parise is more of North and South player like most North American players are. Artturi Lehkonen scores alot of garbage goals too, from rebounds and deflections. Artturi Lehkonen has very good hands aswell and is effective near the goal despite of his smallish stature. I've been saying that he's like european Zach Parise. Other thing what i like about Artturi Lehkonen aswell that he has scored alot of his international goals against big countries like sweden and canada in important times so he has bit of his clutchness aswell. Biggest reason for his production against top countries must be his compete level and staying out from the perimeter and fighting from every puck and rebound.
Looks like a hit to the head. This would be Lehkonen's 2nd concussion this season. Guessing Ruutu will be suspended for a few games, that man has always been a moron on the ice and will never change.
Looks like a hit to the head. This would be Lehkonen's 2nd concussion this season. Guessing Ruutu will be suspended for a few games, that man has always been a moron on the ice and will never change.
