What Samu Tuomaala lacks in size he makes up for in speed, skill and an envious release.
The Finnish forward has high offensive upside and with a few more years of development could make an impact at the NHL level.
Team: Karpat, Finnish junior league
Position: Right winger
Shoots: Right
Age: 18 (Jan. 8, 2003)
From: Oulu, Finland
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 174 pounds
Tuomaala registered 15 goals and 31 points in 30 games with Karpat’s under-20 program this past season, matching his goal total from the year prior in 10 fewer games.
His 200-foot game needs plenty of work, but he has the ability to dominate in the offensive zone even when there’s little space with which to work.
A regular fixture on Finland’s international teams, Tuomaala had a particularly strong showing at the under-18 worlds. He led his country in points after notching five goals and six assists in seven games.
What do the experts say?
Sam Cosentino: “Smallish right shot winger who is crafty. Can play the in-tight game and get rid of the puck in a hurry. … The energetic forward is a threat from the blue line in.
NHL director of European Scouting Goran Stubb: “Tuomaala had a really good season in the Finnish junior league, and I think it was good for him that Karpat didn't rush him to their top-league team. He developed very well having a big role on the junior team (15 goals, 16 assists in 30 games). He was playing on the power play, a regular shift, and shorthanded. This is a guy with a lot of good hockey in him, and what I really like about him is, he's the guy who can score the big goals.”
Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com: “Tuomaala is an energy-type forward with good speed, quickness and puck control. The 18-year-old has good offensive skills, including a hard, accurate shot that helped him score 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 35 games in Finland's junior league. Tuomaala will play for Finland at the World U-18 Championship.”