Prospect of Interest: Talented Finnish scorer Samu Tuomaala

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.”

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