Talent Analysis

Vatanen has game-breaking potential with his speed, imagination and seeing-eye wrist shot. As a puck-carrying, puck-moving defenseman, his skills are on par with the best prospects out there. Vatanen remains rather undersized, which will present a major obstacle as he transitions onto North American ice.


Future

Already prospering in Finland’s top professional league, Vatanen has proved he can play among fully developed opponents. Whether or not he is capable of doing so in the world’s greatest league remains to be seen. Vatanen could be a dynamic No. 2 defenseman, or he could spend his entire pro career in Europe.