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: Trade with Rangers, 2009
- 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
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.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: July, 13th 2009
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