From Pronman:
59. Topi Ronni, C, TAPPARA JR. (FINLAND-JR.)
May 5, 2004 | 6′ 2″ | 181 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Background: Ronni has been a good junior player the last few years in Finland and was quite productive versus men when he got called up this season. He was also a top player for Finland’s U18 team.
Analysis: Ronni is a 6-foot-2 center with offensive ability. He has very good stick skills and vision, allowing him to create a lot of chances inside the offensive zone and be able to run a power play at the junior level. He’s not electric with the puck so I don’t think in the pros he’ll be a primary play driver but he’ll be able to score at higher levels. His compete is good enough. Ronni won’t run guys over but he uses his size to win battles and be reliable defensively. His skating will be the one area that will hold him back versus better players and why I can’t yet stamp him as an NHLer despite the rest of the tool kit looking strong enough.
|