Ht/Wt: 6′ 1″/185 lbs
Position: LHD
Team: Blues (FIN)
RANKINGS
Ranked #25 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #29 by Future Considerations
Ranked #26 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #8 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Jeff Marek of Sportsnet – Mar. 8th: “Shines on the defensive side of the puck at even strength and PK. Has an uncanny ability to get his stick in shooting and passing lanes. Just don’t expect offence. He won’t be out there late in a game to tie it up, but you’ll love him out there protecting a lead.”
ISS Hockey – Feb. 22nd: “Good two-way mindset. Sees ice well & anticipates transition. Active in all zones.”
Mike Morreale NHL.com – Jan. 20th: “An intelligent, two-way defender (6-0, 185) who can read the play well, has good vision and a strong skill set that includes skating, passing and an accurate shot. He is a reliable team player and has a sound defensive game.”
Dennis Schellenberg Hockey Prospectus – Nov. 9th: “A very complete two-way defenceman who does not have a lot of flaws in his game. Vaakanainen is a very good puck mover, has great poise and makes crisp, accurate passes. He’s a very mobile skater with impressive edge work and fluid strides.”