SM-liiga breakthrough of the year

[mattihp]

Jussi Makkonen anyone?

A couple of guys here were heralding this guy already two years ago, and finally the big season came. He went from 8 points in 30 games to 27 goals and 59 points in 57 games.

At 193cm he is a pretty big guy as well.

[Sampe]

Yeah, has to be Makkonen. Markus Seikola also had a major breathrough, but he's been known to possess the tools for a decade or so.

[mattihp]

Originally Posted by Sampe

Yeah, has to be Makkonen. Markus Seikola also had a major breathrough, but he's been known to possess the tools for a decade or so.

I was so sure Seikola would be an elite defenseman before the end of the 01/02 season...

[illone84]

Any chances of seeing Seikola in Switzerland next month ?

[mattihp]

Originally Posted by illone84

Any chances of seeing Seikola in Switzerland next month ?

I wouldn't mind him all that much.

[Korkki]

There is an official rookie award for Finnish league, but not any "breakthrough award". I think there would be a shot for it (it is hard for a goalie to get the rookie award so this might be better suited for goalies)...

[Savolainen]

Mikko Koskinen (Blues) anyone?

[JerkeyLumme]

Originally Posted by Savolainen

Mikko Koskinen (Blues) anyone?

Yeah, that guy's disgusting. 6'8!

[ES]

Some of the other lesser known players who had major improvements ovar the previous season(s):


Toni Kähkönen, Blues (-86) 57 16+10
playoffs 11 7+6
Teemu Ramstedt, HIFK (-87) 56 12+11
Aatu Hämäläinen, KalPa (-87) 58 11+18
Tero Koskiranta, SaiPa (-84) 56 18+22
Tommi Huhtala, Ässät (-87) 57 12+16

Alle of them are forwards.

[gib]

I would like to add Jonas Andersson to the list. This season he has finally played to his potential.