With the 2018 NHL Draft rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to look at draft prospects. And with the Dallas Stars picking at no. 13, there is a substantial number of available talent. Today’s potential candidate is Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
The 2018 NHL Entry is two days away from kicking off in Dallas, Texas. Between now and then, each NHL team has plenty of work to do and decisions to make. That includes the Dallas Stars.
The 2018 Draft will give the Stars a unique opportunity. And no, this opportunity doesn’t necessarily have to do with having home arena advantage. What the draft offers Dallas this year is a chance to take a first step in righting their wrongs. These wrongs are the ones associated with poor drafting in the first round over the past ten years or so.
But let’s focus solely on the Jim Nill era. Since taking over as GM in 2013, Nill has been responsible for seven first-round draft picks. He’s drafted three wingers, one center, two defensemen, and one goaltender.
It may seem pretty balanced, but when you take a deeper look, you can quickly see problems.
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Of those seven picks, only one has played in more than 60 games at the NHL level. That was Valeri Nichushkin, who spent the past two seasons in Russia and hasn’t played in an NHL game since May 11, 2016.
A first round pick is supposed to either be an immediate or “knocking on the door” prospect that is ready to take on the NHL. It doesn’t matter whether they are no. 1 or no. 31. The first round is supposed to contain surefire picks that are ready to play professional hockey sooner rather than later.
So, this year’s first pick must be a surefire candidate. The Dallas Stars will pick 13th (barring any trades or movement) in the first round.
But who should they select to make sure they maximize the potential of the pick? Well, let’s take a look at a few candidates.
A few days ago, we looked at the possibility of selecting Joe Veleno as well as the possibility of selecting Barrett Hayton. Today, we take a look at center Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Center
Height: 6’2
Weight: 190 lbs.
Current team: Assat (Liiga)
The Dallas Stars need to spend their first-round pick on help down the middle. The organization needs solid center depth, plain and simple. They need a player down the middle that can be a potential top six option for the long-term future. That’s where Jesperi Kotkaniemi might be able to help.
The left-handed center doesn’t turn 18 for another two weeks, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that Kotkaniemi will be in attendance at the 2018 NHL Draft and is considered a top five prospect at the center position. So what is it that makes him so remarkable for his young age?
He’s got a solid frame and knows how to use it well on offense and defense. And yet even with the decent size, he is still a very talented skater.
Though Kotkaniemi may not possess the speed that Barrett Hayton or Joe Veleno boast, he makes up for it with his balance and agility on the ice. He can still move at a regular rate and use his long stride to keep up with the game.
His skating abilities are impressive considering his size and he protects the puck using both his hands and feet. He’s also a strong puck handler. Kotkaniemi’s skating skills also help him in being unpredictable against defenses when bringing the puck into the zone.
On offense is where Kotkaniemi can thrive. One of the prime reasons he is so high on draft boards is because of his shot. It’s both quick and accurate, though it can also be decently deceptive. It’s not unusual for him to settle in front of the net, using his frame to clear up space and provide screens for his teammates. But he can also take the puck up top and look for the open shooting lane to open up while carrying the puck around.
He’s a smart player, though, and uses his knowledge in-game. With his ability to extend plays with his possession time, Kotkaniemi is always looking for his teammates in the offensive zone if nothing is open for him. He plays a safe and smart game, going with the most reliable option.
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On defense, Kotkaniemi is known for being physical and using his frame in the zone. He’s quick to break up passes with good stick work and is consistent on the back check, making him a solid two-way forward. Kotkaniemi is rarely out of position and can quickly transition a turnover into an offensive opportunity.
He’s also proven to be a solid penalty killer with his defensive talents, making him a versatile option for his team.
Kotkaniemi played this past season on Assat in Liiga, which is Finland’s highest league. It took a little time to make the transition, but he finished the year nicely with 10 goals and 29 points in 59 games. He also had a strong showing at the 2018 U-18 World Junior Championships with Finland, scoring three goals and tallying nine points on his way to a gold medal.
On top of playing center, he’s also had time on the wings, which gives him multiple options on offense. Overall, Kotkaniemi is an asset on offense and can find success in various situations.
"“A smart forward with a dangerous shot, Kotkaniemi possesses a high hockey IQ and determination with the skills to back it up. Positions himself well and often seems to be a step ahead of plays. Stickhandling and creativity allow him to split professional defences as a teenager. Decent size and frame, yet a very capable skater.” -Matias Strozyk via EliteProspects.com"
He’s ranked as a top-15 prospect across the board and owns the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL down the road. His two-way abilities make him a dangerous addition for any team.
But will the Dallas Stars spend their 13th pick on him? Recent mock drafts have Kotkaniemi being taken between 8-11, so he may not be on the board when the Stars’ pick rolls around. And from the looks of it, they won’t be trading up for anyone in particular. Dallas seems content with their 13th pick and spending it on the best player available when it arrives.
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Kotkaniemi possesses exciting potential and if he truly is the best player available at 13, wouldn’t it be nice to see the Dallas Stars finally go with a lock in the first round? It’s only a possibility, but Kotkaniemi’s style and determination could go a long way in refining the Stars’ future at the center position.
Will Dallas claim him at 13?