Otto Salin – 2022 NHL Draft Profile
Otto Salin
2021-22 Team: HIFK (League)
Date of birth: 2 November 2003
Place of birth: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 5 feet 11 Weight: 192 pounds
Shooter: Right
Position: Defense
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2022 First Year Eligibility
Rankings
Highly skilled, offensive-minded, right-shot defenders are definitely coveted advantages in the NHL. The ability to open the game with skill from the blue line cannot be exaggerated, and such a turn often gets the scouts to spit. As for Otto Salin, it’s just the kind of offensive ability the team gets.
No matter what playing tape is being watched and who is being asked, Salin’s offensive ability is always the most obvious skill set that dominates the conversation. The ability to skate the puck through the neutral zone to the attack zone and at the same time facilitate the attack from a point or after a rush is just a testament to his intelligence on the puck racket.
A strong skater with a strong first step and solid edge work, Salin is a very talented player with instincts to face his abilities. His speed and crossover ability set him apart from his peers and make up some of his best qualities. He is also a very accurate pitcher and can start an attack with a strong pass if the opponent leaves such a game open.
One thing that could benefit Salin is the accuracy of his shot. Although he can hit the net and be able to score, his shots are not his strongest country. However, that doesn’t stop him from taking shots at high volumes, even if they don’t always hit the finish line.
On the flip side of this equation, Salin will definitely need work on the defensive side of the puck if he is to one day become an NHL defender. While his offensive ability and instincts are good, he really has to work on his defensive figures, gap management, and working on the boards to convince anyone that he can play at a higher level of competition. It’s tricky because offensive skills are appealing; At the same time, however, teams need someone they can trust in their own area in some way, shape, or form if they are going to trust them in the NHL.
The hall does not escape contact, but his physical strength is not the most impressive feature at the moment. He can benefit from gaining weight in his frame if he is going to play successfully ahead of bigger, stronger and faster competition.
Related: THW 2022 Draft Guide
Overall, though, Salin should have a fascinating future for teams, as all of his shortcomings are teachable traits. Although his offensive abilities are mostly higher than average, he lacks several elite qualities outside of his skating, which would make him a sure top choice. The real question is where each team has made him rank on his sketchboards.
Other THW Draft profiles
Otto Salin – Draft project
Given his offensive instincts and abilities, they are so strong that Salin’s zealous direction may find him elected somewhere towards the end of the second round or the beginning of the third round. This is despite the defensive instincts and abilities that lag behind. However, since it’s hard to determine exactly how teams see his skills and what they find easy or difficult to fix on defense, it wouldn’t be very surprising to see him selected earlier in the second round or even as far as the start. from the fourth round. Teams are aware that not all potential players are perfect at the age of 18 and Salin’s offensive tape may be enough to differentiate him. A realistic place for him would be somewhere in the 55-70 NHL participation graft in 2022.
Quotes
“He can get a lot of momentum in crossovers and puck pick-ups, he accelerates quickly so he can carry the puck on ice when needed. The hall likes the puck and always wants it on its edge. He also supports a lot of attack, which, however, can make him a little more vulnerable in defense. – Eetu Siltanen, Dobber Prospects
Strengths
- Skating
- Offensive instincts
- Accurate input
- Desire to shoot
- Disc transfer capacity
Under construction – improvements to be made
- Defensive awareness
- Aperture management
- Hit accuracy
- You need to add weight to your body
NHL potential
If all goes well for Salin and he is able to finish his game, he has the potential to play in the top four on defense. At least his offensive skill set could allow him to play a more defensive third pair role while maintaining a regular place in the powerhouse as the team’s quarterback.
Risk / return potential
Risk 4.5 / 5, reward 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Attack 8/10, defense 3.5 / 10
Interviews / Links
Awards / Achievements
Salin won bronze in the U18 WJC.
Otto Salin Statistics
Video
Brandon Share-Cohen has been involved in the NHL and a variety of professional sports for seven years. Brandon, who works with The Hockey Writers, is working extensively to inform Boston Bruins in addition to his role as news team leader.