Juuso Valimaki
Ht/Wt: 6′ 2″/200 lbs
Position: LHD
Team: Tri City (WHL)
RANKINGS
Ranked #19 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #11 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #12 by Future Considerations
Ranked #16 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #11 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
ISS Hockey – Mar. 11th: “Underrated offensive upside. Very good shot/gets it to the net rarely using a slap shot”
Jeff Marek of Sportsnet – Mar. 8th: “A good all-around blueliner who’s enjoyed great experience at the junior and international level. Not huge, but possesses great awareness. Has drawn comparisons to Olli Juolevi (VAN).”
ISS Hockey – Feb. 11th: “Smart w/great passing skills. Very good shot & gets it to the net; rarely using a slap shot.”
Mike Morreale NHL.com – Jan. 20th: “The two-way defenseman has brought more assertiveness to his game in his second WHL season. Valimaki (6-1, 204) has 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in 38 games and has shown more offensive drive and confidence in his game.”
Future Considerations: “A strong, minute-munching, two-way, dependable blueliner…not a lot of high-end offensive flash or dash to his game, but just makes the right play consistently…good vision and puck moving ability, has no panic to his game and waits for his options…can sling the puck around with strong accurate passes…his hockey sense allows him to read and react to the play well in advance…very committed to blocking shots”
Dennis Schellenberg Hockey Prospectus – Nov. 9th: “A mature and responsible two-way defenceman who makes good decisions with the puck. Not the most flashy player but he shows poise with the puck and plays very reliably at both ends. Shows some leadership skills, especially when quarterbacking the powerplay. “