Quote:
Originally Posted by Henry Fool
Puljujärvi is a safe pick but it's unclear to me whether he really has high end scoring potential. I'm not particularly following the prospects, but Laine looks like the more interesting Finn at least to me - size, shot and an attitude.
Neither of them are known as cerebral players as far as I can tell. I could be wrong but I really prefer the guy with a goal-scorer's outlook rather than the speedier all-around player.
Both are more talented (but maybe not as smart?) than Rantanen (2015 draft pick, similar size) who started the season with the Avs and has 14 points in 12 games in the AHL, so they have a very realistic chance to play in the NHL next season.
Puljujärvi has been rated higher, but by draft day I could even see Laine going second overall and Puljujärvi around fifth, or something like that. Just guessing of course. So much can happen between now and June.
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Of course from this side of the world we only get youtube packages of the highly touted Finn players. I'm perfecty happy with either Laine or puljujarvi.
I think I did actually voice a preference of Laine earlier in this thread too IIRC. Has a nose for the net like Bennett, but with that Rantanen size. But then you hear the stories of him getting kicked or national teams and flipping off the coaches (not sure what context or how true that is) and it makes you wonder if it would be safer to take Puljujarvi if you were left with a choice.
In any case. The Flames are on track for Matthews barring a screw job n the lottery. And I'd take him any day of the week over anyone in the draft.
In the end, any one of those 3 if they have the choice I'd be thrilled with.
as long as they avoid taking a D man top 5.