A number of Finnish hockey fans on HF have been saying that Valimaki has been on the radar for years now, and many of them consider him as one of the best defencemen this year ahead of some other big names.
I also think Brannstrom was a good pick by Vegas. I remember reading about him and how scouts came away more impressed by him than Liljegren all season long, and how Brannstrom seemed to be making things happen on the ice when he is out there, while Liljegren didn't seem to be doing the same. I thought that Brannstrom would go ahead of Liljegren based on that, but Liljegren had the 'name' so you never know.
I am just happy the Flames got Valimaki. Complete defencemen who can play in all situations and will be a work-horse. Sounds great for me. Brannstrom and Liljegren both have holes and question marks. Valimaki has great upside and few holes. I will take that every day.
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