Few words about this kid. He has developed with huge steps, and is really turning into a great player. I really like his style of play and especially his attitude. In the first period he rushed into the net through 4 guys and managed to make a shot. We saw few good hits and couple of great rushes in to the net and he also pulled one penalty with his speed. It´s awesome how guy this young can have that kind of body mass and can carry and use it so well.
He has absolutely no fear when rushing into the net. After the whistle he often looks at his enemies with defiant look, and he never takes a step back. You just got to love this young guy.
Thx for the update on him VSK! Im really liking him more n more everyday. Its already making me wonder how we got him so late in the 2nd.
I know, right?
I was always under the impression that a teams scouts were there to make sure guys like Salomaki didn't slip through their fingers. As it turns out, SOME teams(mine included) employ idiots who will take a long shot with "upside" instead of a guy like Miikka who will never leave you dissapointed regardless of how much offense he ends up bringing. Huge mistake by other teams passing him up, he was one of the only sure NHLers in the 2011 draft imo.
He can play both center and wing. Currently he's 1st line winger - not bad for 18 years old.
And for those who're asking how he was taken so low, I myself foresaw him getting drafted in the 1st round I was wrong, however. Propably because he came almost out of nowhere, I don't remember seeing him on most of the rankinglists last year... He's been developing behind the likes of Donskoi, Junttila (undrafted but very gifted Kärpät-forward), Granlund-brothers etc. which propably made him invisible to some scout eyes. Everyone who follows Kärpät closely has been expecting great things from him for a long time.
I love his game. Typical goal from him. Rushing into goal like mad for rebound. It seems like its hell to play against him. Updated measurements 5'11 205 lbs. damn hes stocky. Barry Trotz is getting his new pet. This pet is mean, angry, strong and................ ****ING CRAZY. Can't believe that he got too late in 2nd round. But he's perfect player for Preds.
After his goal today, Salomaki has scored 7 goals in 9 games between the European Trophy exhibition tournament and the SM-liiga regular season. Karpat is now 3-0 on the year after beating Lukko by a 4-1 final...
Both of his goals have been results of hard ****ing word. He has absolutely no fear rushing the net... He's got an attitude from hell, is built like a tank and has nice goalscoring touch. So glad he's on "my team".
BTW, he's a bit of a pest too. It seems like he's already the most hated guy of Kärpät lineup (by opponents, I mean).
After his goal today, Salomaki has scored 7 goals in 9 games between the European Trophy exhibition tournament and the SM-liiga regular season. Karpat is now 3-0 on the year after beating Lukko by a 4-1 final...
was he 18 at the draft? or an overager?
just wondering how long he is likely to stay in Europe before coming over
He was 18. If this year goes as good as it's been thus far, you'll see him maybe even as quickly as next year. Stylewise he looks like NHLer already but I don't think he'll be able to handle its pace just yet... 2013-2014 he could be your 3rd-liner.
Miikka scored a goal today against Kalpa today. He got injured because of a hit to the hip, according to the coach of Kärpät (propably nothing serious, just a precaution). (edit: ) Miikka got the puck going in front of the goalie and scored after spin-o-rama type of move. I didn´t see where the injury came from, all I know that he didn´t come to third perioid. I´ll keep you posted when we have more info.
He lacks hockey IQ, footspeed, shot and hands to ever become more than a 3rd liner. He's average at everything and not that good in anything.
I agree that he's ideally a third liner but with a team that's not stacked offensively, I could easily see him playing "Ruutu-minutes". His hands are above average and his physical play is quite a lot above average. He has this goalscoring touch that very few Finnish prospects have. He's never going to be elite playmaker but who's waiting for that to happen?
He lacks hockey IQ, footspeed, shot and hands to ever become more than a 3rd liner. He's average at everything and not that good in anything.
I believe in him having a short NHL career though.
His heart, determination, drive, whatever you want to call it is excellent, and that coupled with the strength of a bull is something that I believe will one day make him a very special player. And I don't buy your "lacking hockey IQ" either, he's in the right place at the right time, makes good decisions with the puck, and seems to be pretty quick with his head. All hint towards him having pretty good hockey IQ. I'm not sure where you got that idea. Footspeed isn't that great but it's not bad either and he has excellent balance.
I don't know wether he will have what it takes to be more than a 3rd liner but I do believe he can be a heck of a 3rd liner if the top lines aren't for him
He lacks hockey IQ, footspeed, shot and hands to ever become more than a 3rd liner. He's average at everything and not that good in anything.
I believe in him having a short NHL career though.
He lacks hockey iq? He has more hockey iq than armia. Hockey iq isn't just passing. Armia makes alot more stupid decisions with the puck and takes stupid penalties. Armia holds the puck for too long, salomäki knows when to pass the puck. Armia is definetly more skilled but salomäki has better hockey iq, defensive game, and his offensive instincts are great + of course heart. Salomäki seems to be mentally strong aswell.
I was wrong, however. Propably because he came almost out of nowhere, I don't remember seeing him on most of the rankinglists last year... He's been developing behind the likes of Donskoi, Junttila (undrafted but very gifted Kärpät-forward), Granlund-brothers etc. which propably made him invisible to some scout eyes. Everyone who follows Kärpät closely has been expecting great things from him for a long time.
