Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.assat.com
- Name: Jesse Joensuu
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 207 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-10-05
- Eligible for Draft: 2006
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Pori, Finland
- Acquired: 2nd round (#60 overall), 2006
- Playing In: Europe
Jesse Joensuu
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: Pekka Lampinen
History
Joensuu was a very early developer. He grew to a man's height early and generally played with older players, even making his professional debut right before reaching the age of 16 in 2003. His development has been slightly slower since and he hasn't been a big star in games against his age group internationally, although he has held his own and played solid two-way hockey against men. As Joensuu enters the draft, he already has behind him two WJC tournaments and 110 pro games, including the 2006 final series of the Finnish SM-Liiga.
2006-07: Joensuu's game is finally beginning to catch up to his tremendous size - 6'4 and 205 pounds -- in this, his third year with Assat. At the halfway point this season, the young forward was already on pace to pass career-high marks in goals, assists and points. He eventually went on to demolish those numbers, scoring nine goals, 17 assists for 26 points in 52 games played. While a point in every other game may not impress all, Assat was at the bottom of the standings for a majority of the season, making it difficult for Joensuu to enjoy any further success. His season-ending stats put him in a fifth-place tie on the team.
Joensuu also represented Team Finland at the World Junior Championships, scoring a goal in his team's quarterfinal loss against Team USA.
Jeffrey Bausch contributed to this profile
Talent Analysis
Joensuu first emerged as a big forward capable of playing strong in the corners and eager to lead the offense in all of its aspects - an aspiring franchise player, so to speak. He is still looking able to do all that, but the overall level isn't looking quite that good. Joensuu has sharpness in his turns and skating but lacks quick acceleration. He still hasn't accustomed to his tall body, which also hurts him in battles for the puck. He tries difficult dekes with a good success rate and can make plays in short spaces, but his wrist shot is very slow and awkward. The trouble with finishing has hurt his offense overall. Joensuu has an athelete's mindset and is likely capable to develop NHL scoring line talent over time.
Future
As a big and gifted player, Joensuu can be expected to develop for a long time still.
Stats
| SEASON | TEAM | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
| 2004 | Team Finland (WJC 18) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 6 |
| 2004-05 | Ässät Pori (SM-Sarja) | 13 | 7 | 8 | 15 | +2 | 14 |
| 2004-05 | Ässät Pori (SM- Liiga) | 39 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -7 | 4 |
| 2005 | Team Finland (WJC) | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 2 |
| 2005 | Team Finland (WJC 18) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | +1 | 0 |
| 2005-06 | Ässät Pori (SM- Liiga) | 51 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 57 |
| 2006 | Ässät Pori (SM- Liiga) | 14 | 0 | 2 | 2 | +3 | 12 |
| 2006 | Team Finland (WJC) | 7 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| 2006-07 | Ässät Pori (SM- Sarja) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 2006-07 | Ässät Pori (SM- Liiga) | 52 | 9 | 17 | 26 | -7 | 74 |
| 2007 | Team Finland (WJC) | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 14 |
Profile Last Updated: March, 25th 2008
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