2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
Jimi Finland
2020-21 Team: Jokers U20 (U20 SM Series) – # 42
Date of birth: 1 March 2003
Place of birth: Espoo, Finland
Ht: 5-foot-10 Wt: 154 pounds
Shots: Left
Rank: Left Defender
NHL Draft Eligibility: Eligible for the first year of 2021
Investments
Jimi Suomi is an undersized Finnish left-handed defender in the Jokerit Helsinki under-20 (U20) program, where he collected a goal and 10 assists in 15 matches this season. His last name, in a fun way, translates “Finland” into his native language. Finland’s points return per game was the best among the Jokerit defenders in more than six matches, and he was an important part of both special teams in the program. He stands out for his tremendous forward skating speed and acceleration combined with a loud but aggressive defensive style in a hurry. His ability to distribute and his views also leave nothing to be desired. While his game is impressively entertaining in size and age, Finland has predicted most sketch sites to go in the third round or even the fourth round In the case of Smaht Scouting.
However, if we compare the Finnish production with the U20 drafts of previous years, especially with the defenders of the Jokerit season 2019-20, the results are promising: The Vancouver Canucks ’82nd overall selection in 2020, Joni Jurmo, played for the Helsinki team last year and was their most productive defender with 28 points in 43 matches, a good 0.55 points per game, while Finland was 0.73. Finland’s sample size is much smaller because COVID-19 delays and cancels a large part of Finnish U20 games, but it is clear how Finland’s vision and overtaking will benefit his offensive game and allow him to score goals for his teammates. He would probably have improved his production level if the season had lasted longer.
As Finland settled into its program, earned more ice time on both sides of the ice and learned the habits of his teammates, his defense capability became more and more prominent; his zone game still requires fine-tuning, as with most defensive outlooks, but his busy defense leaves very little to be desired. He seems to choose his moments very effectively when deciding to rush the driver or fish him on arrival; thanks to his active wand, he can put pressure on opponents to mistakes effectively, but his lack of size and dimension puts him at a disadvantage when he faces larger opponents, especially within the area.
Related: THW’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide
As an undersized defender, he has to learn to play against bigger and stronger attackers with larger wing spacing, as more and more players come as he climbs the available professional forces.
Jimi Suomi – NHL Draft Projection
Finland’s performance in the U18 World Championships put his name on scouts who previously had little opportunity to evaluate their game, but there are still questions about the reversibility of his defensive and physical game – teams often do not take elementary school defenders. the top two rounds, and when they do, the player is often exceptional in either skating or defensive ability. Finland is not far from weak in these matters, but his skating and defense cannot be considered exceptional. He shows decent glimpses and interesting skills to build on, but long-term projects are mostly for Round 3 and beyond. THW’s own Matthew Zator took him to 61st place in April, while Peter Baracchini’s 160th place finish put him in 122nd place, with Andrew Forbes placing him in the top 128 in May. Expect to see him around 80. As an option and even in the mid-60s, if the team really likes his profile.
Quotation marks
“Finland is a running skater who flashes a deceptive batch game and can perform a winning game skillfully bypassing it. He’s probably better off pairing with a more defensive player. “- Lassi Alanen, EP Rinkside
– Finland is a dangerous player with a puck on his stick. He is an excellent skater with both explosive acceleration and fast speed, so he can jump in a hurry and become an immediate attacking threat. “- Austin Broad, FC Hockey
Strengths
- Skating
- View
- Transmission accuracy
Under construction (improvements to be made)
- Physical game
- Area defense
- Four-way explosion hazard
NHL potential
When Finland completes and develops its game in higher Finnish hockey, he will probably face a dilemma: will he work on his physical and defensive play to improve it to a competitive level, or will he trust his strengths and become a purely offensive blueliner? The team that draws him will probably have a word about the direction of his development, but Finland would be much better off serving his strengths and becoming an expert in power play. His offensive ability is good enough when he can become a third or fourth defender with superior roles, but without at least some work on his zone ranking and ability to jump forward in the cycle, he will likely end up as a depth defender.
Risk-benefit analysis
Risk – 3.5 / 5, reward – 4/5
Fantasy hockey potential
Attack – 8/10, Defense – 6/10
Awards / Achievements
Finland was selected to the U16 SM-Series II All-Star team in 2018-19. He has no other awards yet.
Links to the interview / profile
Jimi Finland EliteProspects profile
Jimi Finland Statistics
Video
Lebanese-Canadian hockey player / scout. I follow the sketch very closely and collaborate with both The Hockey Writers and DobberProspects to create a sketch and continue my knowledge of hockey.