Fin: Korpikoski Shows Spunk

Notes from an exhibition tournament in Mikkeli, where several Finnish draftees caught the eye of our Finnish scout.

Lauri Korpikoski - New York Rangers

Skated on the first line for TPS Turku in recent exhibition action in Mikkeli, Finland .. performed on the right wing alongside veteran Kai Nurminen who took his usual left wing slot .. plays with tons of energy and willingness to pack a hard checking game .. easily distinguishable on the ice, bringing the most enthusiasm to the rink among the participants .. has a nice frame, though still lacking the necessary muscle .. has to learn when to take the body and when to stay put, as he took an unnecessary penalty in both games of the mini-tournament due to rawness in that respect .. flashes incredible quickness, utilizing his speed to his advantage on counter attacks, attacking lanes to set up or shoot .. was not a force on special teams; did not get the puck much .. in the running for a regular spot in the SM-Liiga next season.

Sami Lepisto - Washington

Played in a big role for Jokerit .. was promoted from the third pairing up to the second, performing in an offensive role alongside Canucks’ prospect Markus Kankaanpera .. skates well and uses his speed to join the rush when the right chance comes along .. a dangerous puck mover on the powerplay, but did not show much of his famous point shot .. does not shy away from contact despite modest size, dishing out a couple of sturdy open ice hits .. was ejected from the second game after some pushing and squabbling .. will see more of the puck this season.

Lennart Petrell - Columbus

Fourth line got decent ice time with a few power play chances .. plays with excellent confidence and a bullish exterior, as usual .. likes to hold on to the puck a lot and stickhandle his way through his opponents .. his green understanding of the game shows as he often tends to cut through the middle with the puck, becoming an easy target for potential open ice knock-outs .. uses his good size to give for what he receives .. all in all ok skills, but raw mentality.

In the News

Washington Capitals’ fifth round pick in 2004 Pasi Salonen was injured during the Finnish U-20 national team camp, fracturing his arm. He is expected to be out for six months, which means that he will miss the majority of the season.