[Ashasx]

Corey Pronman's take:

16. Calgary Flames
The pick: Juuso Valimaki, D, Tri-City (WHL)
Nationality: Finland | Pronman rank: 22

Scouting notes: Valimaki has been a leading player in his age group for years, and he was excellent this season for Tri-City in the WHL. He's a very well-rounded defenseman. Valmaki stands 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, but skates like a 5-foot-11 player, with an easy, powerful stride. His puck skills aren't dynamic, but he has decent hands to couple with very good offensive instincts. He moves the puck quite well and can project as a potential second-unit power-play man in the pros. I've been more impressed with his offensive instincts in the WHL than I have been in international play for Finland. Defensively, he's a rock, with ability to close gaps with his speed, in addition to winning a lot of battles and making smart, simple plays.

Team fit: Calgary adds an advanced two-way defenseman to complement the skilled puck movers like Oliver Kylington, Rasmus Andersson and Adam Fox in their system. Valimaki could fast track to the NHL in a year or two if his development continues to trend in this direction.