First of all, the name of Matt Nickerson seems to have appeared on the player list of the Edmonton Oilers website. It has been reported that the Oilers are trying to help the development of their prospects by adding some more experienced players on the Springfield Falcons roster. Nickerson is likely to be one of them, even though he has much more experience from SM-liiga than the AHL.

There was also another surprise signing earlier this week, when the New Jersey Devils announced they had signed winger Ilkka Pikkarainen. Pikkarainen is already 28, so he can’t be considered a prospect at this point of his career. He scored a career high 24 goals in SM-liiga last year.

Prospect Camps

At the same time when Finnish teams are about to begin their on-ice training, NHL clubs are having their prospect development camps. I’ve tried to gather a comprehensive list of Finnish players who are attending the camps of their respective NHL clubs.

Ilkka Heikkinen attended the Rangers’ camp which took place earlier this week. According to a Hockey’s Future article, he was a standout among the blueliners, which he should be, considering that most of the participants are significantly younger and less experienced than he is.

Teemu Hartikainen and Toni Rajala will be tearing up the Oilers development camp which starts on Monday. I’m sure Coming Down the Pipe in going to follow the camp closely.

Minnesota Wild’s camp will have a strong Finnish flavour to it, as there are a total of four Finns attending. Their both 2009 draft picks Erik Haula and Jere Sallinen will be there, as will their 2007 6th round pick Harri Ilvonen and 2008 5th round pick Eero Elo. The Wild camp opens on Tuesday.

The Canadiens also drafted a pair of Finns this year and both Joonas Nättinen and Petteri Similä are on their camp roster. Nashville Predators also have a number of Finnish prospects, so their camp, opening on Wednesday, also interests me. Their 2008 7th round pick Jani Lajunen is attending, as is their 2007 7th round pick Atte Engren. Teemu Laakso is also there, but that goes without saying, I guess.

St. Louis Blues will announce their camp roster just before the camp opens on Wednesday and I expect to see Jori Lehterä‘s name on it. Washington Capitals will open their camp in a week and Oskar Osala could be participating, depending a bit on the profile of players the Capitals want to see on their camp. Riku Helenius is naturally attending the Tampa Bay Lightning camp.

I couldn’t find the development camp rosters of the following clubs: Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks If you can help me with any of these, I’d be grateful. Is Joni Ortio attending the Flames camp? Is Perttu Lindgren going to the Stars camp? Mikko Koskinen is for sure on the Islanders camp? What about Tommi Kivistö and Rasmus Rissanen and the Hurricanes?

edit: According to a blog post from June 29th, both Rasmus Rissanen and Tommi Kivistö should attend the Carolina Hurricanes prospect camp. According to the same post, Kai Kantola (he may have born in Canada and grown in the US, but his parents are Finnish) is also attending their camp. No official roster has been announced yet, but their camp doesn’t open until July 15th, so there is still time.

So, here are the Finnish draftees of the class of 2009, in the order they were drafted. For each player, I’ve also included the prediction from my preview and its accuracy, plus a Hockey’s Future style prospect rating.

31. Mikko Koskinen, New York Islanders

I did, as many others, predict Koskinen being a relatively high pick, but I never imagined he’d be the first goalie picked in the whole draft, never mind being the first Finn drafted. The Islanders didn’t have any top goalie prospects going to the draft, but in addition to Koskinen, they drafted another overaged goalie (Anders Nilsson) this year.

Now that there’s a transfer agreement in place between the Finnish Ice Hockey Federation, SM-liiga and the NHL (more on that later), I would guess the Islanders would like to see Koskinen in the AHL already next year. In Espoo he would have to split duties with Iiro Tarkki, in Bridgeport he’d probably play as much as he wants.

• My prediction: Late 2nd rounder
• Accuracy: Minor underestimation
• Prospect rating: 7C

65. Joonas Nättinen, Montreal Canadiens

Solid pick by Les Habitants. They have no reason to rush Nättinen, he should play at least a couple of years in Finland, seeing a lot of icetime in SM-liiga and being a second-line center in the next two WJC’s.

He was the first Finn drafted by the Canadiens since 2003 when they drafted Oskari Korpikari. My prediction was a bit optimistic, but I was right about him being picked in the third round at latest.

• My prediction: 2nd rounder
• Accuracy: Minor overestimation
• Prospect rating: 7B

101. Toni Rajala, Edmonton Oilers

Another case where my worst case scenario was realized. Being something of an Oilers fan, I love this pick. Even with all the question marks, he never should’ve fallen that far. He has a huge upside, even if he is quite unlikely to ever reach it.

I’m just hoping that Rajala gets a fair chance with Ilves next year, he should be able to score around ten goals in SM-liiga. If he doesn’t get enough icetime, the Oilers should try to lure him to North America for 2010/11.

• My prediction: 2nd rounder
• Accuracy: Major overestimation
• Prospect rating: 8D

106. Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks

Soild pick by the Ducks. Vatanen should have chance to grab a regular spot in JYP lineup next year and should see some powerplay action as well. There’s no need to rush him, but I’m not sure whether the drafts rights are again only valid for two years.

• My prediction: 2nd rounder
• Accuracy: Major overestimation
• Prospect rating: 7D

163. Jere Sallinen, Minnesota Wild

If the younger Sallinen recovers from his back injury, he could be a steal. If he doesn’t, it was a wasted pick by the Wild. Again, a case where patience is a virtue.

• My prediction: 6th rounder
• Accuracy: Spot on
• Prospect rating: 7D

171. Joni Ortio, Calgary Flames

A goalie from Turku, I guess Flames fans are excited. I don’t think he benefits much from another year in the juniors (he already had the second best save percentage of the U20 league last year), so if he can’t grab the backup spot in TPS SM-liiga lineup, maybe they should loan him to a Mestis club.

• My prediction: 5th rounder
• Accuracy: Minor overestimation
• Prospect rating: 7C

178. Rasmus Rissanen, Carolina Hurricanes

Rissanen is yet to see any SM-liiga action and only has half a season in the U20 league behind him, so he needs a lot of experience before he is able to challenge for an NHL job. Whether that experience should come from playing in Finland or North America is a whole another question. He’s the kind of player who could benefit from playing major junior hockey before graduating to the AHL and then, eventually, the NHL.

• My prediction: 5th rounder
• Accuracy: Minor overestimation
• Prospect rating: 6C

182. Erik Haula, Minnesota Wild

Some people thought Haula might in fact be the first Finn to be picked, but having seen both him, Nättinen and Rajala in U18 Worlds I thought he didn’t have the potential of those two. It seems NHL clubs agreed with me.

It is a lovely pick by the Wild, however. Haula already has played one season in Minnesota and he has signed a letter of intent to go to the University of Minnesota. He’s going to play in the USHL next year with the Omaha Lancers.

• My prediction: 4th rounder
• Accuracy: Major overestimation
• Prospect rating: 7C

208. Tommi Kivistö, Carolina Hurricanes

Kivistö has a lot of rebounding to do next year, but given his potential, I don’t think he should’ve slipped this far. He’s one of the prospects I’m going to follow closely in the future.

• My prediction: 4th rounder
• Accuracy: Major overestimation
• Prospect rating: 7D

211. Petteri Similä, Montreal Canadiens

Similä was the only draftee I didn’t list in my preview. He’s another huge goalie, so I guess the Habs are hoping that he would have a similar career path as Koskinen. Similä has a long way to go though, he was a backup in the juniors last year. Definately a “draft and follow” -type of pick.

• My prediction: None
• Accuracy: Major underestimation
• Prospect rating: -

There were also some prospects I expected to be picked who were passed over. Nico Manelius is, as far as I know, fully recovered from his knee injury. If he has a solid season, he’s pretty much guaranteed to be picked next year.

Kristian Näkyvä was another defenseman I envisioned would be a late round pick. If he makes the WJC squad and performs well, he might be picked next year. With the youth movement in Blues, he should have a good chance to see regular shift in SM-liiga, as well.

In retrospect, I have to admit I was stretching it with Iiro Pakarinen and Antti Raanta. They’ll have to prove themselves in SM-liiga before they are considered by NHL clubs. Pakarinen might have a chance of making the WJC squad as well.

So far I’ve only seen one preview focusing on Finnish prospects, so I guess mine will be the second. (In my opinion, HF did a poor job ranking the Finns this year, but their profiles are pretty good.)

I decided not to rank the prospects, but instead just list the prospective draftees alphabetically with short descriptions of their strengths and weaknesses and a prediction of the range where they’ll be picked. I, frankly, don’t think anyone really cares whether I see Rajala or Nättinen to be the first Finn to be selected.

So, here are the 25 draft eligible Finns I think have any chance to be drafted on Saturday.

Sami Blomqvist

The son of former Caps defenseman Timo Blomqvist was eligible last year, but after a terrific year in the juniors, he actually might have a chance of getting drafted this time around. He’s a sniper who needs more strength to be able to score on professional level as well.

• Best case scenario: 4th rounder
• Realistic scenario: not drafted

Teemu Eronen

The smallish rearguard has developed in the shadow of Kivistö and Manelius, but at this point, he might actually be a better player than either of them. He’s not too flashy, but has nice puck skills and plays a steady defensive game as well. Needs more muscle.

• BCS: 6th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Erik Haula

He’ll probably be the first Finn ever to be drafted out of US High School. He’s just 5’11″, but plays much bigger. A good playmaker with nice wrist shot as well. He has signed a letter of intent with the University of Minnesota for the 2010/11 season, so his draft rights could be retained for as long as five years.

• BCS: 2nd rounder
• RS: 4th rounder
• Worst Case Scenario: 6th rounder

Jani-Petteri Helenius

The hard-working defensive forward was a favorite of assistant coach Ismo Lehkonen which secured him the fourth line center duties in the SM-liiga lineup of Jokerit. He got selected to Team Finland for the World Juniors as well, but everything went downhill from there. He made a couple of costly mistakes early in the tournament and saw his icetime shrink. When he got back to Finland, he no longer saw any SM-liiga action and couldn’t create much offense in the juniors either.

Lehkonen compared Helenius to Riku Hahl, which might be an accurate stylistic comparison, but I just don’t see Helenius having the kind of upside Hahl proved to have. Jokerit only has two veteran centers signed for next year, so maybe he is worth a gamble anyway. He’ll never be more than a shutdown/PK specialist though.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Pekka Jormakka

Small, speedy winger with nice hands and a nose for the net. He was passed over last year and had an injury-ridden season, so I don’t expect to see him picked this year, either.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Jesse Jyrkkiö

HF ranked him the fifth best draft-eligible player from Finland (not counting Haula or Kivistö), but I can’t agree with that assesment. He has a lot of skill, but that’s not enough to balance his lack of focus, vision and sense. He makes so many stupid, selfish and arrogant plays that it seems he simply doesn’t really care about the team. His defensive play is also sub-par, which is kind of worrying for a defenseman.

• BCS: 5th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Joonas Järvinen

The big stay-at-home defenseman didn’t have the best of WJC’s, but he did play another complete season in SM-liiga. He doesn’t have any kind of offensive upside, but he skates pretty well for a guy his size.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Tommi Kivistö

Kivistö entered the season as the top-ranked Finnish defenseman, but after a disappointing WJC, latter half of the WHL season and U18 World Championships, a lot clubs probably are wary of drafting him. He’s a nice two-way defenseman though and I’m pretty sure he will be drafted anyway.

• BCS: 2nd rounder
• RS: 4th rounder

Mikko Koskinen

In hindsight, it is easy to say that it would’ve made sense to take a gamble with Koskinen last year. After all, he did have a shutout in his only SM-liiga start. This year, he did exactly what he said he’d do: outplayed Bernd Brückler and became the starter in Espoo.

He does have some flaws in his game still, but with the recent success of Pekka Rinne and the relatively low level of goaltending prospects this year, I think it is safe to say that Koskinen will be drafted quite early.

• BCS: Late 1st rounder
• RS: Late 2nd rounder
• WCS: 6th rounder

Nico Manelius

Last fall I was really impressed with the authority and calmness Manelius directed the defense of U18 Team Finland with. His offensive upside is rather limited, but as a stay-at-home type he should have a great future.

The season-ending knee injury in November meant that he missed the WJC (he was in consideration, despite being two years underaged) and the U18 Worlds. A serious knee injury suffered as a 17-year-old could have some kind of impact on his whole career.

• BCS: 3rd rounder
• RS: 6th rounder

Ilari Melart

Big kid, has a mean streak, ready to drop the gloves. Average puck skills, skating. Didn’t have the best of WJC’s, but graduated to HIFK’s SM-liiga lineup.

• BCS: 6th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Kristian Näkyvä

Another smallish, skilled Blues defenseman. Late ’90 birthdate, so he’s eligible for the first time, but didn’t get much international exposure this year. Nice year in the U20 league, even saw some SM-liiga action and did quite well.

• BCS: 4th rounder
• RS: 7th rounder

Joonas Nättinen

If I had to bet on one prospect on this list to play at least a hundred games in the NHL, Nättinen would be the guy. He has all the tools to be a reliable two-way center, the question is if he has the offensive upside to be more than that.

• BCS: Late 1st rounder
• RS: 2nd rounder
• WCS: 3rd rounder

Mikko Niemelä

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play, so there’s not much to say. He’s a big defenseman who put up respectable number in the juniors this year. He should have a good chance to make the WJC squad next year.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Joni Ortio

A technically sound goalie, who still needs to work on improving his physique while honing his skills at the same time. Working under Urpo Ylönen probably helps. He was the starter for Team Finland in the U18 Worlds and had good numbers in U20 SM-liiga.

• BCS: 3rd rounder
• RS: 5th rounder

Iiro Pakarinen

A big, bruising winger from KalPa, has a nose for the net and adequate puck skills as well. Could he be this year’s Teemu Hartikainen?

• BCS: 4th rounder
• RS: 6th rounder

Tomi Pekkala

I’ve only seen him play four minutes, ever, so again, I don’t have much to say. He has put up nice numbers in the juniors though, and I like numbers.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Ilmari Pitkänen

I remember when he was the top scorer of Jokerit U16 team which didn’t lose any games that year. He was a great playmaker on that level, but after that he’s been converted more to a two-way role in the U20 league. He played his first minutes in SM-liiga this year and even had a bout with Dan Hacker. He was selected as a backup reserve for the WJC this year, so there’s a good chance he’ll make the team for real next year.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Antti Raanta

Again a kid I haven’t seen much, but his numbers in the U20 league were phenomenal. The problem is that he probably won’t see much SM-liiga action in Lukko because Petri Vehanen tends to play over fifty games a year, so there’s not much left for the backup.

• BCS: 4th rounder
• RS: 7th rounder

Toni Rajala

Rajala has been touted as the “next Finnish Flash” for years, but he has had some problems living up to the hype. His numbers in juniors were far from expected this year and he didn’t see a lot of action in SM-liiga, mostly due to the hesitancy of Ilves head coach Sakari Pietilä to use youngsters.

He did a good WJC though and I don’t think enough emphasis has been put on his outstanding U18 Worlds. He broke the scoring record of the tournament (earlier held by one Alexander Ovechkin…) by scoring 19 points in 6 games. Let me repeat: nineteen points in six games. There’s no doubt he benefited from playing with Mikael Granlund and Teemu ⅠⅠ (Pulkkinen) (guess who’s Teemu Ⅰ), but I don’t think there are too many players in this draft who have better offensive skills than he does.

The question in my mind is whether he’ll be able to add enough bulk to his body to ever be able to play in the NHL. He tends to avoid contact and there’s not much room for perimeter players in today’s game. Having said that, I have no doubt he would be a late first round pick in any normal year. This time the quality is so high and the pool so deep, I think he might slip to the second round.

• BCS: 1st rounder
• RS: 2nd rounder
• WCS: 4th rounder

Joonas Rask

The younger brother of Tuukka Rask was the highest ranked Finnish skater by NHL Central Scouting last year but he wasn’t drafted. I don’t think his rather average WJC made his chances of being picked this year any better. He’s a smallish, skilled forward who simply doesn’t have any significant differentiating qualities.

• BCS: 6th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Rasmus Rissanen

Rissanen probably benefited from Manelius being hurt, playing a big role in the bronze medal winning U18 team. He’s a big, stay-at-home defenseman who plays with a lot of emotion.

• BCS: 3rd rounder
• RS: 5th rounder

Jere Sallinen

Another top prospect who’s season ended prematurely with an injury. He only played nine games before back problems ruined his draft year.

He did have an excellent season in the juniors the year before and even became the first player born in the 90′s to see SM-liiga action, so the potential is there. The question is whether he can overcome the problems and realize that potential.

• BCS: 3rd rounder
• RS: 6th rounder

Tomi Sallinen

Older brother of Jere. He’s already a regular with Blues in SM-liiga and had an ok WJC, so he definately has a chance of being drafted this time around. He has the upside of a second line center, but the fact he’s been used in a more two-way role in Blues makes me think he could make it as a third liner as well, which is a good thing.

• BCS: 6th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Erno Suomalainen

Another goalie prospect I know next to nothing about. Respectable numbers in juniors, excellent in the playoffs, backup to Ortio in U18 Worlds.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Sami Vatanen

Had a coming out party in the U18 Worlds where he was easily the top d-man of Team Finland. There has been a lot of talk about Ryan Ellis leading up to this year’s draft and Vatanen is a similar case. He’s small, but smart, skilled and an excellent skater. Reminds me a lot of Petteri Nummelin, which is both a good and a bad thing.

• BCS: Late 1st rounder
• RS: 2nd rounder
• WCS: 5th rounder

Olavi Vauhkonen

The prototypical power forward has been passed over twice by all the teams, so I don’t think he’ll be drafted this time, either. He did see a bit of SM-liiga action this year and didn’t look out of place at all. In the juniors he used his size and strength, but could not produce that much better results than last year.

• BCS: 7th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Tony Vidgren

I only saw him play once this year, but that game was an eye-opener for me. He played a smallish role on the blueline of Lukko in SM-liiga, but laid out a couple of monster hits and gave good, tape-to-tape opening passes. I still don’t understand why he wasn’t in the WJC squad.

Vidgren injured his thigh after falling on his leg in a fight with Vladimir Ryzhkov in March. He’s still recovering, which might scare away prospective NHL employers.

• BCS: 5th rounder
• RS: Not drafted

Other notables: Joni Karjalainen, Mikael Aaltonen, Ville Hyvärinen, Valtteri Virkkunen, Jere Laaksonen, Joonas Hurri, …

To summarize the draft from a Finnish point of view: a good year, kind of overshadowed by the fact that it is a great year for the Swedes and a very deep draft class overall. No real gems, Rajala has a lot of question marks surrounding him and Nättinen’s offensive upside is questionable as well.