|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2009 9:51:03 GMT -5
A big two way centre from Finland. 6'2" 185 and over a point per game in the Finnish junior league.
Good skater, solid two way game, plays well along the wall....needs to get stronger and needs to be get some more drive to his game.
Had a good WJC and won 63% of his faceoffs (and he shoots right!).
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2009 9:55:33 GMT -5
Future Consideration had him ranked at 61st, ISS at 28th, Mckeen's at 59th, THN at 36th, Red Line at 31st and TSN at 36th.
So, some of the scouting reports thought he would be long gone by now.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2009 10:10:05 GMT -5
Some stuff on him from TSN.ca:
International Scouting Services: "A big hard-nosed two-way centerman who can play with finesse and power, Nattinen has been climbing the rankings and landing himself on many NHL clubs radars with his great two way ability. He can play a variety of roles, and has a strong understanding of system play. He drives the net hard and is extremely difficult to move once he gets there. He centered Finland's explosive 'cage' line during the WJC in Ottawa and proved to be the most consistently effective center on the team for the tournament. Apart from his great physical qualities, he has a strong skill set that includes a hard shot, smooth stick and very strong passing instincts."
|
|
|
|
Post by CrocRob on Jun 27, 2009 10:16:48 GMT -5
Nice to see them stocking up on center prospects a bit.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Bebop on Jun 27, 2009 10:27:24 GMT -5
Should be interesting to watch him develope. Looks to be a 2 way center maybe powerforward type.
Safe pick should be an NHLer.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roggy on Jun 27, 2009 13:41:54 GMT -5
Red Line's blurb:
Joonas Nattinen - Espoo RC
Strong, physical hard-driving power center. Two way character guy who manages to chip in on offense through sheer hard work and determination. Out-hustles defenders to loose pucks, winning all the races and competing his bag off every shift. Does not pick his spots - goes after the toughest North Americans and yaps at other team's tough guys. Plays with intensity and manhandles guys who try to rough up his goalie. Throws some crushing, bone-rattling checks in both open ice and along the walls. Causes lots of havoc for defenders around crease with heavy crashing. Has a long reach and powerful stride. Strong on the puck. Disciplined defensively; comes back deep to help d-men consistently and back-checks hard to break up odd-man rushes against and covers for d-men. A winner any coach would love to have.
Projection: 3rd line power checking center for top club.
Style compares to: Jordan Staal/Bobby Holik
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 27, 2009 23:47:14 GMT -5
Some Timbits from Timmins on his RDS interview:
Joonas played on Finland's top PP unit as a 17 year old at last year's WJC and also had the top faceoff winning percentage (63%).
Look forward to seeing what he can do next year in Saskatchewan at the WJC.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Bebop on Jun 28, 2009 7:32:34 GMT -5
A few comments by Timmins about Nattinen from TSN..... Timmins is high on the six-foot-two Nattinen, even though he was projected to go in the second round but was passed over by the other 29 teams. "He played on the top power play at the world juniors," Timmins said. "He's a big centre and that's what we're looking for. He'll be a big man when he finishes growing." Timmins is high on the six-foot-two Nattinen, even though he was projected to go in the second round but was passed over by the other 29 teams. www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283079 |
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 28, 2009 14:35:49 GMT -5
If he becomes a Bobby Holik, I think we'll all be extremely happy.
|
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 29, 2009 1:45:46 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 29, 2009 17:26:34 GMT -5
This guy's name came up at work today and, like this thread, it's all positive. Why he wasn't selected earlier is confusing; it's almost like he's a younger, meaner version of Oli Jokinen.
Good information in this thread. Thanks guys. I'll be pointing a few of the lads from work here.
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lord Bebop on Aug 8, 2009 16:39:53 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by HFTO on Aug 9, 2009 0:02:47 GMT -5
When he was falling through the second and third rounds I was looking at the board and he fit the bill of what the Habs were looking for and voila we picked him.Has all the attributes would be nice if he panned out.
HFTO
|
|
