Lenni Hämeenaho – RW – Assat Pori
There is so much talent in this draft, there are going to be players that fall into the Devils lap. This is one of those players. Lenni Hämeenaho would be getting first-round buzz in previous drafts, but there are dozens of players who are finished products. Hameenaho might be one too, but it’s a safe prospect if that’s true.
He has an impressive resume, with an appearance with Team Finland in the U20 World Juniors Championship. He was the only draft-eligible on the roster, a roster that included Devils prospect Topias Vilén. Devils scouts were absolutely watching those games, so they saw what he brings to the table.
Hämeenaho was third amongst Liiga rookies in points despite playing for Assat Pori. This isn’t necessarily one of the best teams in the Finnish league. An 18-year-old was fourth on the team in goals with nine. This was a player that has been getting immensely better every year and beating expectations.
The Devils will love what they can get out of Hämeenaho. He has a scoring upside, and his floor is really high amongst current prospects. He has a really good chance of being an NHL regular. Will he be a 30-goal scorer or a great playmaker? Probably not, but it’s hard to get close to a guarantee in the second round.