Player's Profile
- Name: Lauri Korpikoski
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-07-28
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Turku, Finland
- Acquired: 1st round (#19 overall), 2004
- Playing In: Pro
Lauri Korpikoski
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Korpikoski built on a stellar performance in the 2004 U18 World Juniors (11 points in 6 games) to have a excellent 2003-04 season with TPS Turku of the Finnish Junior A League. After the Rangers selected drafted him in the first round of the 2004 draft, the winger continued to play in Finnish junior league during the 2004-05 season, making a major offensive impact on his team. Korpikoski was less productive offensively after his promotion to the Finnish senior elite league during the 2005-06 season, however, in the 2006 World Juniors, he registered 6 points in 7 games.
In April 2006, after his European 2005-06 season was completed, Korpikoski joined the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack. With 3 points in his first 5 regular season games, it appeared that the winger would be highly offensively productive. However, during the playoffs, Korpikoski was cast in a more defensive role on the team.
2006-07: Korpikoski continued to be used as a defensive forward on the AHL team during the season. His play faded toward the end of the season and, although it was clear to the coaching staff that he had a substantial offensive upside, he would need to build stamina for the long North American hockey season.
2007-08: After a lackluster NHL training camp in the Fall of 2007, Korpikoski played a solidly throughout the 2007-08 season for the Wolf Pack. He was rewarded with playoff time in a Rangers uniform, and scored a goal in his first NHL appearance.
Talent Analysis
Korpikoski brings an impressive array of skills to the table, not to mention plenty of speed and a decent frame. Excellent on face-offs, with good anticipation and reach, he brings a solid defensive game to the table. Additionally, he has a quick release on his shot, and when his shot, top notch skating, and fine defensive play are combined with very good on-ice vision, Korpikoski has all the physical tools to be an excellent NHL player.
Future
Korpikoski will battle for a Rangers’ roster spot this Fall. With his experience on the penalty kill, his speed, as well as face-off and puck skills, he should be a welcome addition to the NHL team. However, he must show more than he did last Fall in training camp. If he fails to make the Rangers’ this Fall, expect him to be a mid-season call-up.
Stats
www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3
Profile Last Updated: August, 24th 2008
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