Player's Profile
- Name: Joonas Rask
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 5-11
- Weight: 168 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-03-24
- Eligible for Draft: 2009
- Drafted: 2010
- Hometown: Savonlinna, Finland
- Acquired: 7th round (198th overall), 2010
- Playing In: Europe
Joonas Rask
Prospect Grade: 6.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2007-08: He spent the majority of the season with Ilves's U20 squad, posting 29 points (11g+18a) in 32 games. He was also selected to Finland's U18 squad for the WJC, where he recorded a goal and four assists in six games. Passed over in the 2008 draft.
2008-09: Rask was considered by some to be the top forward prospect coming out of Finland headed into the 2008 NHL draft yet he was not selected. Like some of the other young forwards in Ilves, he had a rocky first season, though he did make his SM-Liiga debut and spent the majority of the year with the men’s team. But in a minor role he had just one goal and one assist in 27 games including the playoffs. Playing with the Finland’s junior team – both at the WJC and in the Mestis exhibition schedule – he was able to display his playmaking ability and offensive flourish. While his ice time in games was limited, particularly in power play and high profile situations, the fact that he spent the year training with and facing older, more experienced players could be a plus.
2009-10: Rask spent a majority of his season with Ilves in Finland's SM-liiga, appearing in 43 games with 10 goals, 9 assists for 19 points. He added 3 goals in 5 relegation playoff games with Ilves. Rask also played 2 scoreless regular season games for the Ilves U20 squad and scored 2 goals, 2 assists in 4 playoff games with the junior team. He was an alternate captain for Finland's U20 team at the WJC, where he scored 2 goals in 6 games.
2010-11: Rask skated in all 60 games for Ilves as a 20-year-old, playing a strong two-way game with a surprising offensive touch. Rask's +4 plus/minus was the team's second best and his 14 goals trailed only former Oilers prospect Jesse Niinimaki's 17 for the team lead. Rask also had 13 assists and 18 PMs. Ilves finished 10th in the 14-team league, avoiding the relegation playoffs.
Talent Analysis
Rask is a technically-skilled hockey player with excellent skating ability typical of the half dozen or so forwards developed in the Ilves junior program over the past few years. The younger brother of Boston Bruins goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask, he was a prolific scorer at the junior level and also captained the Finnish squad at last winter’s World Junior championship tournament. Like the other Ilves forwards, he is not a particularly physical player and his size and strength are concerns. While his skill level and understanding of the game are apparent, Rask must prove he is willing to compete in small spaces and continue to develop physically to become a legitimate NHL prospect.
Future
Rask will continue to play for Ilves this season.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: December, 20th 2011
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