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Player's Profile

Picture Courtesy of www.jatkoaika.com

  • Name: Anssi Salmela
  • Position: D
  • Shoots: Left
  • Height: 5-11
  • Weight: 191 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1984-08-13
  • Eligible for Draft: 2002
  • Drafted:
  • Hometown: , Finland
  • Acquired: Signed as free agent, 2008
  • Playing In: Pro

Anssi Salmela

Prospect Grade: 6.0 C  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2007-08: Salmela broke through in a big way in his fourth full season in the SM-Liiga with Tappara Tampere, leading the league in goals by defensemen with 16. He set a career high in points with 32 and suited up in all 56 games, making it the second straight season he did not miss a contest. He participated in at the 2008 World Championships in Halifax for Finland, and played in eight games, and recorded 37 PIM's. He had offers from a handful of NHL clubs, but chose to sign a one year, two way contract with the Devils at the end of May.

Talent Analysis

Salmela has a decent sized frame, standing at 5'11, 190 and has a multitude of skills. He is however, most noted for his offensive tools and mobility on the back end. His 16 goals last season can attest to that offensive skill set. He moves the puck up the ice well and is poised with the puck on his stick.

Salmela is a fiery, and intense individual known for playing a physical brand of hockey. He is not afraid to mix it up, even dropping the gloves on occasion. He can play a bit out of control at times, but for the most part plays decent in his own end of the rink.

Future

At 23 years of age, and having played in the top league in Finland over the course of the past few seasons, Salmela is a little more advanced than other prospects in the system at his position and therefore, he may have an advantage when it comes to making an impact at the next level. He will be in a dog fight to make the team out of camp and will likely start in Lowell this fall, but he has the make-up and skill to eventually see some time in New Jersey this season. 

Stats

Stats Coming Soon...

Profile Last Updated: August, 27th 2008

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