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Arayvenn · 09-12-2023, 03:58 PM

SHL Draft Profile: Axel Hämäläinen

Position: Right Wing
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Birthplace: Tampere, Finland

Introduction: The SHL entry draft provides an exciting opportunity for GMs to go hunting for hidden gems, and Finnish winger Axel Hämäläinen is undoubtedly one of the brightest. Born and raised in Tampere, Finland, Axel's journey to the SHL draft has taken him through considerable adversity, including a tumultuous short stint in the Russian professional league before landing in the spotlight of the SMJHL. In this comprehensive draft profile, we'll delve deep into Axel's strengths, weaknesses, and potential as a future SHL full-timer.

Skating Ability: Axel Hämäläinen's standout quality, without a doubt, is his remarkable skating ability. Standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds, Axel possesses a combination of speed, agility, and edgework that places him among the elite skaters of his draft class. His first stride is explosive, enabling him to accelerate rapidly, putting pressure on defenders and creating separation from opponents. Axel's ability to change direction on a dime showcases his exceptional edgework, allowing him to navigate through traffic effortlessly. Axel’s balance and agility continue to improve and his skating will undoubtedly be a major part of what makes or breaks his SHL hopes. Whether it's a quick burst down the wing or a sudden change or some craft edgework, Axel can exploit any gap in the opposing defense. His agility allows him to weave through traffic, open up shooting lanes, and set up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Offensive Outlook: Axel is exceptionally strong on the puck despite his relatively small size, capable of shielding it from defenders and maintaining possession in tight spaces due to his above average puck-handling ability. Axel's offensive toolkit extends to his shot, which is above average in both accuracy and velocity. His quick release keeps goaltenders on their toes, and he has a knack for finding the back of the net in critical moments, scoring both the series winner in the semi-finals and the four-star cup winning goal in his rookie playoff appearance. His playmaking will definitely need to be worked on as he rounds his game out in his coming junior seasons. As is, Axel is definitely projecting to be a shoot first winger. Don’t let his relatively low rookie goal totals fool you.

Success in Transition: Axel's offensive prowess extends beyond just his ability to score goals. He excels in transition, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to generate off the rush. His speed and vision enable him to lead rushes into the offensive zone, creating odd-man opportunities and forcing opposing defenses to scramble. Axel's ability to drive play in transition can be a game-changer in today's SHL, but he will need to carefully hone his playmaking ability to develop into a truly elite player in transition..

Defensive Considerations: Hämäläinen's defensive game is an area that requires improvement. Notably, he is not a very physical player, rarely engaging in physical battles or throwing his body around to disrupt opponents. Additionally, his shot-blocking is infrequent, and he shows a clear hesitation in his willingness to sacrifice the body to block out shooting lanes. Developing a more well-rounded defensive game will be crucial for Axel's long-term success in any prominent role in the SHL.

Future Outlook: With the SHL draft around the corner, Axel Hämäläinen is seen as a high-potential prospect who could provide a significant boost to any team's middle-six forward group. With his exceptional skating and offensive skills, he possesses the tools to become a lethal scoring threat at the professional level. Teams looking for an offensive dynamo who can change the game's momentum with a single rush will undoubtedly have their eyes on Axel.

Draft Projection: We project Axel will hear his name called in the early to mid-second round of the draft. While his TPE is far from the maximum possible, his offensive upside and skating abilities make him an enticing prospect. Teams willing to invest in his development and help him round out his defensive skills could find themselves with a long-term impact player who can light up the scoreboard and elevate the level of play in their top six.

Conclusion: In Axel Hämäläinen, teams will find a Finnish sensation with world-class skating abilities and the potential to become a dynamic offensive threat in the NHL. While there are aspects of his game that require attention and development, his upside as a goal scorer and transition playmaker is undeniable.

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