Chasing Kapanen

by Derek Zona on Apr 27, 2009 2:40 PM MDT in Prospects

There has been much Teemu Hartikainen scuttlebutt in the Oiler's section of the blogosphere lately. He's a big kid, 6' 1", 200 lbs, [shown here getting into the high-traffic area], plays with some grit in his game, but needs to improve his skating. Apparently, Jari Kurri told Kevin Prendergast that the kid has great hands and given his size and sudden production, people are now high on him. Given Prendergast's predilections involving blown smoke, we have to take this with a grain of salt. Given that, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at other NHL players from the Liga in their 18-year-old seasons.

Valtteri Filppula, Niklas Hagman, Antti Laaksonen, Jere Lehtinen, Antti Miettinen, and Teemu Selanne did not play in the Liga in their 18-year-old seasons.

I know my premise is all wrong here - rather than looking at 18-year-old production in the Liga, I only took kids that eventually landed in the NHL. I also note than many of the Finns above are or were of the flying type. A player that needs some work on his stride might not compare so well. So, I draw no conclusions from the above, but it is an interesting look at where he stands amongst his future hopeful peers.

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Horrible premise aside ;) this is an interesting chart and some very nice company for young Hartikainen.

Sustain, IMO, is the biggest question.

by Jonathan Willis on Apr 27, 2009 3:56 PM MDT reply actions

Not surprising this post comes from the Church of Jurri. Good post! The Oilers need to develop one of these picks with potential into a solid player. Hartikainen (thats gonna take time to remember how to spell), Omark or someone. I dont care who it just needs to happen for this franchise to gain some traction.

by Sean on Apr 27, 2009 5:28 PM MDT reply actions

It would nice to get a late round Euro steal, and we did even draft this one as an over-ager. Does Hartikainen play wing: Please, pretty please say left-wing. even if he doesn't, I could some hope these days.

* crash, as BCB gets trap under a stack of books and papers *

by B.C.B. on Apr 27, 2009 10:25 PM MDT reply actions

Sustain, IMO, is the biggest question.

Oh, glad you asked.

by Coach pb9617 on Apr 28, 2009 7:58 AM MDT reply actions

Does Hartikainen play wing: Please, pretty please say left-wing. even if he doesn't, I could some hope these days.

He's a C, LW.

by Coach pb9617 on Apr 28, 2009 8:02 AM MDT reply actions

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