Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Are Kinnvall's numbers even more impressive than Valimaki's?
He is only 1 year older (15 months), and he has put up 11 pts in 8 games in the SHL vs 11 in 11 in Liiga for Valimaki. (SHL is the better league)
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I'd say there's arguments to be made both ways.
Välimäki plays for one of the best and highest scoring teams in his league, and that tends to inflate assists somewhat for defensmen. Kinnvall plays for a midtier team, and he has more goals suggesting he's more of a primary contributor. Since SHL is the better league, yes you can easily say that Kinnvalls numbers are more impressive.
If you consider both injuries and age, Välimäki has had two years less time to develop, which is a huge difference for young defensmen. Big enough that I think you could argue for advantage Välimäki.
I would also say that sample size is really too small for the numbers to be that informative.
In any case, we have one of the very best young defensemen from two of the best currently active leagues. Even a cynic like me is forced to feel something positive about that.