Really? I never exected him to even consider coming so soon. IMO its a bad idea and can ruin his development, juniors would probably be better for him if he wanted to come over, but right now he should stay in Finlands top league for at least a couple of years to properly develop. Finns usually have an easier time adaptng to physical NA hockey than other Europeans because most of them play with the same grit in thier games but he is still way too slight for NA pro hockey.
You'd be surprised, this is a tough kid. However, you may be right that he could stay in the FEL for a few seasons before coming to NA.
I'd say at least two seasons in Ilves and then NHL
I'd guess two seasons with Ilves, then a Mikko Koivu type deal with an NHL club that allows him to play the first year in Europe if he doesnt' get an immediate place after training camp.
I'd guess two seasons with Ilves, then a Mikko Koivu type deal with an NHL club that allows him to play the first year in Europe if he doesnt' get an immediate place after training camp.
Just plain out mean to wish upon an offensive player to be a panther in the future...
mark my words panthers will make the playoffs next year and it took 9 years but were finally getting it we have great prospects and our players are beginning to break out. rajala would fit in very will with markstrom but back on topic videos?
I'd say one more season in the Ilves organization, then one year in the AHL, and then the big show.
Don't see that happening. This season he will play fulltime and then there is always the compulsory "half army half play"-season which he better deal with before going to NA. So, at least two seasons here.
I would like to see Rajala stay in Finland until he is ready to step right into 2nd-3rd line in NHL, if he is given enough icetime to support his development in Ilves. The need for adaptation period for NA style of game in AHL is a myth.
I would like to see Rajala stay in Finland until he is ready to step right into 2nd-3rd line in NHL, if he is given enough icetime to support his development in Ilves. The need for adaptation period for NA style of game in AHL is a myth.
Probably not so much about level of the game of the AHL but more about the ice dimension, language and tactical aspects that are real issues when you invest so much money on a player.
Probably not so much about level of the game of the AHL but more about the ice dimension, language and tactical aspects that are real issues when you invest so much money on a player.
It's not like SM-liiga hockey is like all other european hockey and that the rinks would be international sized...
The only problem with Rajala is that he shys away from the physical play. but he's fast, good shot and great passer. Maybe he's another Nicklas Backstrom?
Yea it'll be pretty funny when Hudler and Filpulla are saving the Redwing's butt's
anybody got a pic of Rajala playing though?
there is a pic of him i nthe THN draft preview he is on th mid 30s or 40s, not gonna lie, i thought he was a chick at first glance, before i came to my sesnes only men are on the NHL
The only problem with Rajala is that he shys away from the physical play. but he's fast, good shot and great passer. Maybe he's another Nicklas Backstrom?
He doesn't shy away from corners anymore, don't trust THN's Draft Preview. Just ask Kyle Woodlief:
On another note, specifically for the Fins/heavy duty viewers around here who've seen Toni *a lot*, do you think he may struggle at the combine in some of the physical drills? It doesn't seem like, in the times I've seen him, that he's had the physical tools to use, nor has he really needed to use them at the junior levels he's often played in. He seems rather thin, still; I doubt it will affect his draft position significantly, as the scouts have seen his abilities on a bigger stage, and strength is easily improved.
On another note, specifically for the Fins/heavy duty viewers around here who've seen Toni *a lot*, do you think he may struggle at the combine in some of the physical drills? It doesn't seem like, in the times I've seen him, that he's had the physical tools to use, nor has he really needed to use them at the junior levels he's often played in. He seems rather thin, still; I doubt it will affect his draft position significantly, as the scouts have seen his abilities on a bigger stage, and strength is easily improved.
Rajala might struggle in that bench press test with 150lbs (and in other possible weight lifting exercises?), but otherwise I think that he should do pretty well. My opinion is that Rajala needs to stay two or three seasons in Finland, and develop his skills and improve his strength level (especially upper body strength) before moving to North America.
Rajala might struggle in that bench press test with 150lbs (and in other possible weight lifting exercises?), but otherwise I think that he should do pretty well. My opinion is that Rajala needs to stay two or three seasons in Finland, and develop his skills and improve his strength level (especially upper body strength) before moving to North America.
This is somewhere along the lines of what I was thinking. I DO think and expect that he'll do pretty well in the balance and agility drills, though.
