Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.jokerit.com
- Name: Jan-Mikael Juutilainen
- Position: C
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 183 lbs
- Birthdate: 1988-01-05
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Espoo, Finland
- Acquired: 6th round (#156 overall), 2006
- Playing In: Junior
Jan-Mikael Juutilainen
Prospect Grade: 7.0 F (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Pekka Lampinen
History
Juutilainen stood out early as a junior in his age group, which features little star power. He was a national team key player from the start, leading the country in international scoring in U17 in 2004-05. Juutilainen has advanced through the junior ranks of Jokerit where his development in domestic rinks hasn't been awfully fast. His 2005-06 season was a disappointment in terms of points, but he ended the season on a very positive note as the captain of Finland's silver medal team in the U18 World Championships.
Talent Analysis
Juutilainen is a traditional finesse center. His shooting bias varies a lot, and he can go from the team's top finisher to the number one playmaker. He can make and receive difficult passes and is rather adept at handling the puck in small spaces. His offensive instinct is undeniable, but at this point he is physically immature and average in the realm of defensive play. His skating isn't on par with most skill-oriented forwards of the NHL, but physical training alone may enable him to move faster more consistently. Juutilainen has a fair bit of leadership in him, which also helps him push himself to become a better player. Not many players have talent like his.
Future
Juutilainen would have to make the NHL as a scoring line player to fully realize his potential, and to that there is a long way to go.
Juutilainen will attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha starting in 2007-08.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: October, 12th 2007
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