Kasper Kankkunen | Prospect Scouting Report

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VHL Prospect Scouting Report

Kasper Kankkunen

Position: D | Age: 18 | Birthplace:  

Height: 6'0" Weight: 205 lb. | Number: 88

Draft: 3rd rd. 32nd Overall (S73)

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It feels like the season started yesterday but were already 25 games in, not a lot of scouts have been throwing around the name Kasper Kankkunen but stay tuned the rest of the way and you'll see a more developed and comfortable player were sure of it. With the lack of experience and inability to follow coaching schemes we haven't see the highly touted high school youngster perform at his best, with a little more time thinking things through the rest of the season should be smooth sailing.

 

Despite not being able to hit the net as much as anticipated the Kankkunen decided to throw his weight around and has a little under 2 hits a game but ranks 8th in penalty minutes. Scoring chances are one thing and being on a good team that can make things happen will only help Kasper develop into the star we think he can be, plus top line minutes, a solid partner on the blue line and the commitment to get things done anywhere on the ice will be a recipe for disaster.

 

Shots on net hasn't been an issue for this player and thus far he has had over 2 shots per game, the more chances you get, the more chances you can be part of. Last thing we want to talk about before we breakdown his potentials would be shot blocking, boy this kid has a heart and no sense of pain because he's been able to block a shot almost every period for Vegas.

 

What's Already There 

Scoring Ability, Defensive Knowledge, Physical Capability

 

SCORING

Being able to change the game at any given moment is one of the most important things in the VHLM, although he hasn't scored that many goals, Kasper knows where to be at the right time and having his teammates on the same wave length is the tricky part, he just needs a little bit more chemistry with his team and the goals will start coming in.

 

DEFENSE

Probably the second most important is being able to read the play before it happens and having the right reaction will save goals most of the time, plus score you some timely goals and Kankkunen knows how to do this well. From his days in high school we saw a kid who could play a level above anybody in his district, now that he is with stronger competition the struggles of being able to get around the ice aren't there and shouldn't be a problem whenever he reaches the VHL.

PHYSICALITY

Something we didn't see coming was the physical presence we've seen so far, if he isn't helping out on the score sheet the other team is going to jump over the bench sore because Kasper can hit you and leave a mark. Battling for the puck hasn't been a problem either and his strength has been able to win puck battles against the smaller prospects in the league.

 

What Needs Work 

 Patience with the puck, Following instructions, Consistent habits

 

PUCKHANDLING

Kankkunen has a hot hand and not the streak version, watch out whenever he blasts one because nobody knows where it'll end up, in the net, over the boards or even slowly dribbling past the stick and behind the defender for an opposing team breakaway.

 

COACHABILITY

The coaches have had a hard time translating instructions to their first line defenseman and most of the time we see frustrated faces behind the players on the bench, if he doesn't go on a breakaway after being instructed to dump it in, shoot a wild shot from the defensive zone or bench himself for no reason we see this being a problem for this player in the VHLM, not the biggest issue at the end of the day but if things don't change we might see Kasper re-rooting himself back in Europe.

 

CONSISTENCY

When you say flash in a pan, the first thing we think of is this young man.. At times we see him focused and determined, minutes later angry and discombobulated. Not sure if it's the different rink, being able to fit in with the guys or the lack of passers on the team because this continues to be a problem, give him time to makes the right adjustments and we'll see if things change.

 

Overall Rating

Talent Score: B+

 

VHL Prediction

 Draft: 2nd or 3rd Round Selection 

 

VHL Comparison

 Fredrik Elmebeck

 

NHL Comparison

Mike Green

 

757 words

 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Z16

[Spartan 4,531]

2 hours ago, Z16 said:

COACHABILITY

The coaches have had a hard time translating instructions to their first line defenseman and most of the time we see frustrated faces behind the players on the bench, if he doesn't go on a breakaway after being instructed to dump it in, shoot a wild shot from the defensive zone or bench himself for no reason we see this being a problem for this player in the VHLM, not the biggest issue at the end of the day but if things don't change we might see Kasper re-rooting himself back in Europe.

 

As your coach, I can confidently say that this is a non-issue . Gem of a player, solid on both ends of the ice, and very receptive to feedback. You're doing great bud!