Kid has no compete in him. He isn't that great of a skater either to make up for it. Those are huge shortcomings. I think he is Van's version of Baertschi, to be honest.
If he ever makes the NHL, he is middle-pairing at best. I do think that Valimkai is already a better prospect than Juolevi. I think he also has a tonne more intangibles on top of it too.
I have totally even stopped thinking that Tkachuk could have been selected instead of Juolevi. It seems like a totally different planet, and I am one that usually pushes "patience" when it comes to prospects. Maybe going back to Finland will provide him with a massive turnaround, but every time I see him play I see a kid who is not just stagnating in his development, but moving backwards.
|