Let's talk about a surprising prospect that's gone from a late round pick to a legitimate prospect.
Yes we are talking about Otto Kivenmaki. He was selected in the 7th round of the 2018 NHL draft after earning a point per game performance in the U20 liiga with 37 points in 37 games.
Next season split time between U20 leagues and the top league in finland earning 35 points in 23 games in the U20 and 16 points in 34 games played in the Liiga.
And currently this season has 18 points in 29 games played.
Kivenmaki is a small player standing 5'9" and plays at center. He a great center while being offensively gifted he also plays both sides of the puck and that's what he has been working on the previous season's and why his point totals didn't grow as rapidly.
Earning a positive plus minus this season in the top league for the first time in his career. He can move the puck well envisions the ice well and but physicality is not his strong suit around March of last year Kivenmaki took a hit the knocked his helmet and cut his head open when it hit the ice. He was taken to the hospital but was thankfully okay.
Since then he has been playing a lot better and should be expected to make the jump to America next season if not to play in the NHL atleast in the AHL.
To me Kivenmaki is a surprise pick kinda reminiscent of toronto maple leafs pick Andreas Johnsson. I have always felt like Kivenmaki would make the NHL you can see the skill is there, but it has to be developed the right way.
Personally I would keep an eye on him when he does come over seas. Hopefully for the wings a late round draft choice will be able to become an effective NHL player.
What do you think of Otto Kivenmaki?
