Aron Kiviharju

Had an eye opening debut as a 16 year old in the 2022 World Junior U-18 where he showed the dangle of forward, and at 15 years of age he saw action in the with TPS U-20 A team, and has continued to open all eyes at the 2022 Ivan Hlinka Tourney with his tremendous playing speed, an ability to dominate on ice due to his hockey IQ and processing. At his current size, he will continue to be scrutinized an under-sized offense man type, but that is far from an honest evaluation. His skating is so elite along with his puck-handling, that on defense, few can disrupt him in transition, because no one gets near him. He simply doesn't get caught. He is so light on his edges that he blows through the neutral zone and enters the zone and has space to survey his trailing forwards for the bets option. He has been out long term with a knee injury and is set to return with only seven games under his belt this his draft year. Calm under pressure and makes a good first pass. Walks the blue line holding on, and survey options and is more than able to routinely fake shots and walking around defenders going down for the block. His shot is not one to write home about, and actually prefers his passing options in generating offense, and is a high end decision maker concern ng when to jump into the rush or not. For a young player he is extremely responsible in his defensive game, even at his smaller size. Has an attacking mindset and loves to force up the tempo. I am not sure how far down NHL scouts drop him, by way of chinks in his armor. He is a revelation in the works.

                                                  --Bill Płaczek--