[News] Flames loan Valimaki to Tampereen Ilves (Liiga)

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Bingo

We've been saying for pages that the Liiga is just above the AHL and not by much. His point production in Liiga will not translate into a point per game defenseman at the NHL level, and we all know that.

His current production points to a 39 point NHL season given the averages in NHLe.

I'd maybe give Valimaki a bit of a boost because of how quickly he's adjusting to a league just above the AHL level after missing a year of hockey, but it still a 35-40 point comparable.

No controversy here.

So better than Heiskenen.

[Old Yeller]

Valimaki's progression in just 24 games with the Flames in 2018-19 was ridiculous. He started with sheltered minutes and 15 games later he was killing penalties and out late protecting leads... it made his ACL injury that much more disappointing.

Points are great, but I'm honestly just happy the lost season apparently hasn't affected his development. 210+ pound 22 year old who skates like the wind, he's going to be such a minute eater for us in the future.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

So better than Heiskenen.

I almost wonder if you need to take age and league into consideration, but then a further adjustment to the quality of the team itself.

His team leads the league and has scored 4.2 goals per game. The league average is 2.8.

Maybe his NHLe should have a 2.8/4.2 adjustment to it (or something less drastic) which would take him down to a 26.

Then you get into the circular reference of Valimaki's impact on his team scoring at that pace, and shouldn't be punished for helping to make the team the powerhouse it is.

JP on his team would have a 2.8/2.9 adjustment moving him from 29 to 28

Anyway ... just emptying my head.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I almost wonder if you need to take age and league into consideration, but then a further adjustment to the quality of the team itself.

His team leads the league and has scored 4.2 goals per game. The league average is 2.8.

Maybe his NHLe should have a 2.8/4.2 adjustment to it (or something less drastic) which would take him down to a 26.

Then you get into the circular reference of Valimaki's impact on his team scoring at that pace, and shouldn't be punished for helping to make the team the powerhouse it is.

JP on his team would have a 2.8/2.9 adjustment moving him from 29 to 28

Anyway ... just emptying my head.

He's making an impact after not playing for 18 months which is outstanding no matter which league he is playing in. JP on the other hand....

[AC]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller

Valimaki's progression in just 24 games with the Flames in 2018-19 was ridiculous. He started with sheltered minutes and 15 games later he was killing penalties and out late protecting leads... it made his ACL injury that much more disappointing.

Points are great, but I'm honestly just happy the lost season apparently hasn't affected his development. 210+ pound 22 year old who skates like the wind, he's going to be such a minute eater for us in the future.

Valimaki was killing 5 on 3s in just his 7th NHL game. Helped killed a PP in OT in his 12th game. Just crazy!

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

On the flip side of this comparable game: Arizona gave Vili Saarijarvi a 23 year old 3 year AHL veteran (3rd round pick of Detroit) a qualifying offer which looks as though he hasn't signed.

He has 5 goals and 13 pts playing in 13 games +12 playing 20:59 as a RD ( shoots Right)

I haven't seen any reports or expectations that based on his top play in Liiga he will even be given much of a chance to finally get into the NHL.

There might not be a direct translation of the play in Liiga to NHL success.

Oh yeah for sure, I wasn’t saying there was a direct correlation between point production in the Liiga and in the NHL, by any means. I’m just sorta thinking aloud and giving out little tidbits to be excited about. We could sure use some hockey......

[ricardodw]

What was the potential penalty to the Flames that resulted in not playing Valimaki in the bubble playoffs?

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

What was the potential penalty to the Flames that resulted in not playing Valimaki in the bubble playoffs?

Had Valamaki played, he would have been eligible for the expansion draft. As it turned out, the Flames do not need to expose him, he is protected.

[sevenarms]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

What was the potential penalty to the Flames that resulted in not playing Valimaki in the bubble playoffs?

Had he played he would have been eligible for the expansion draft.

[Hey Connor, It's Mess]

Originally Posted by TOfan

Had Valamaki played, he would have been eligible for the expansion draft. As it turned out, the Flames do not need to expose him, he is protected.

Yeah that could have been a nightmare and is the silver lining with his injury history.

[Plaedo]

Looks like it will be Eetu Tuulola against Juuso Valimaki. Eetu on SaiPa's top line.
https://liiga.fi/en/ottelut/2020-202...5/kokoonpanot/

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by Hey Connor, It's Mess

Yeah that could have been a nightmare and is the silver lining with his injury history.

Nightmare is strong. It certainly would have made easier an awkward situation taking shape with Gio. If Valimaki needed to be protected, we could send the 3 D we are protecting to the league right now in a sealed envelope and not think about it again. Now, it gives them more options, which is obviously the better situation. This team will lose a good player and that is a good thing.

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by sevenarms

Had he played he would have been eligible for the expansion draft.

He's also not technically an RFA at the end of 2020-21, as he now doesn't meet the pro experience requirement to qualify as a Group 2 RFA and get an offer sheet.

[Wastedyouth]

Valimaki got himself a game misconduct penalty for checking from behind.

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Valimaki got himself a game misconduct penalty for checking from behind.

So a mixture of Hieskanen and Pronger. Nice.

[iLoveLamp]

Originally Posted by Freeway

He's also not technically an RFA at the end of 2020-21, as he now doesn't meet the pro experience requirement to qualify as a Group 2 RFA and get an offer sheet.

Why would anyone offer sheet him anyway?

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

Valimaki got himself a game misconduct penalty for checking from behind.

Hope he's more disciplined in the future, but the Flames desperately need a d-man who can both play and throw the body. Having Andersson, Hanifin, and Valimaki all at 200+lbs is great.

Even if all of these guys aren't throwing the body, the larger physical presence wears teams down.

[Plaedo]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1332405347978457090
Valimaki with a hit that seems to look worse because the forward dropped to his knees.

[Kipper_3434]

I really hate how forwards play along the boards nowadays. This whole turning your back to a vulnerable position so you don't get hit is really annoying as all it takes is a small bump or catching an edge to go face first in the boards. I cringe everytime I see Johnny do it.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Kipper_3434

I really hate how forwards play along the boards nowadays. This whole turning your back to a vulnerable position so you don't get hit is really annoying as all it takes is a small bump or catching an edge to go face first in the boards. I cringe everytime I see Johnny do it.

I agree. However, in this instance, Valimaki did give the forward an extra shove with his arm that wasn't necessary. The refs will call that every time.