Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.assat.com
- Name: Eetu Heikkinen
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-07-08
- Eligible for Draft: 2007
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Suomussalmi, Finland
- Acquired: Eligible for the 2006 NHL Draft
- Playing In: Europe
Eetu Heikkinen
Profile Contributed By: Pekka Lampinen
History
Heikkinen moved from his hometown Kajaani in the distant northeast to Pori on Finland's western coast to play hockey in his early teens. In 2004-05 he played the most Jr A games of all defensemen in his U17 age group, and in 2005-06 he did the same on professional level. As an early developer he has always been part of the junior national team core, including a solid U18 WC tournament in 2006.
Talent Analysis
On the ice Heikkinen doesn't stand out as a flashy player, and the obvious conclusion is that he thrives on his hockey sense. He is a well-rounded defenseman also with solid puck skills, but he still has stay-at-home tendencies. A better ability to make the first pass would make him more useful when in the offensive. Heikkinen is very sound positionally and has no weaknesses in his skating. Physical contact is the problematic part of his defensive game as he often ends up obstructing opponents. All in all, Heikkinen needs to develop a style or a strength to make him a desirable option as far as the NHL is concerned.
Future
In 2006 Heikkinen has enough footing to get his pro career going in the Finnish SM-Liiga. Beyond that, the future is very open. He won't be playing in the NHL in this decade. History
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2006 | Team Finland (WJC 18) | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| 2006-07 | Ässät Pori (Jr. A SM-Sarja/FNL) | 26 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -- | 36 |
| 2006-07 | Ässät Pori (SM-Liiga/FNL) | 39 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -5 | 16 |
| 2007 | Team Finland (Mestis) | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
Profile Last Updated: June, 17th 2007
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