Samu Tuomaala

Finn winger who has shown in international competition that he is both creator and finisher, using his excellent speed and acceleration to pull the trigger when the opportunity presents itself. Has a high skill package that includes an effortless stride, strong edgework, and a mighty heavy shot. Has good vision and is an excellent soft handed passer. His performance at the recent World Junior Under-18 was a mixed review. He has the burst to get past defenders while in open ice situations and then handle his carries in high traffic. Goes from toe drag to blistering release. He is undersized and isn’t the strongest player in puck battles, so there are times when he looks to not be all in with intensity. Is a  danger weapon with his one timer on the power play. Has excellent hands and seems like a natural shooter with underrated playmaking abilities, but still needs to raise his compete level and play without the puck.

—Bill Placzek