TEEMU PULKKINEN"THE NEXT FINNISH STAR"

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Birthdate: January 2^nd, 1992

Height: 5’11” | Weight: 183 lbs

Hometown: Vantaa, Finland

09/10 Team: Jokerit (SM-Liiga)

Coming into the 2008/2009 season, there was a lot of hype for Teemu Pulkkinen to be in contention for the #1 pick in 2010 heading into the 2009/2010 season. While injuries derailed his season a bit and held him off the Finnish U20 team in the World Juniors, Pulkkinen has done well to reaffirm himself with the elite players in this draft after a tremendous showing at the U18 World Championships in Fargo.

Unlike most Finnish forwards, Pulkkinen is an interesting package of offensive skill. While he isn’t the biggest player, he is not afraid to drive the traffic zones on the ice. He doesn’t look to play the body often, but he’s not afraid to take a big hit if it means making a play and he certainly doesn’t shy away from contact. His skating is solid, albeit not at the same level many have come to expect from most European prospects. However, what Pulkkinen lacks in elite speed, he makes up for with slick offensive talent. He’s extremely good with the puck and handles it incredibly well in traffic. He also has a very good shot and is one of those players that while he has the prowess of a true sniper, he is equally adept and being a top notch playmaker.

Next season will be a big test for Pulkkinen to prove that he can stick with the top players in this crop, especially considering that there is a significant amount of players that are neck in neck with him. After being selected in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Kelowna Rockets, it looks as though Pulkkinen is planning on staying in Finland to play with Jokerit’s SM-Liiga squad. Pulkkinen will need to prove that he can contribute in the league and more importantly in the World Juniors, where a lot of scouts will be focusing heavily on him and his Finnish teammate Mikael Granlund.

Overall, Pulkkinen already has a lot going for him in that he has the tools to be a very good player and he already plays a North American style game. However, the real question with Pulkkinen is maintaining some consistency in his game, and proving that he can be the go-to player on a nightly basis.