Maple Leafs Prospect Review - Markus Seikola

Markus Seikola (TPS Turku) - Another product of the excellent TPS hockey program which has produced the likes of Jere Lehtinen and Saku Koivu, the 19-year-old Seikola is regarded by some as possibly Finland’s top blueline prospect behind Joni Pitkanen, a consensus top-five pick in the upcoming 2002 draft. A seventh-round pick in 2000, Markus established himself as a regular during his first full season in the SM-Liiga and has continued to develop much quicker than expected. He also turned heads with an impressive performance at the World Junior Championships in January.

Scouting: Seikola is a competitive defender with an offensive flair and a willingness to apply his sturdy 6-foot-2 frame. He is a smooth and confident puckhandler who makes pinpoint outlet passes. But Markus’ main weapon, which may carry him to the NHL, is a heavy, booming shot. He also has a knack for getting his shot through traffic from the point, although he will have to speed up his release to develop into a prime power-play specialist. Other areas that need improvement include his defensive-zone play and his decision making, as he has a tendency to make high-risk plays at times. He also needs to continue refining his skating and overall quickness, which are still below NHL standards.

Grade (B): Seikola’s rise through the ranks is all the more impressive considering he didn’t start playing at an elite level of competition until he was 15 years old. Down the road, he projects as a potential top-four NHL blueliner given his offensive talents and improving physical game.