Max Laatikainen (D, R, 5’11”, 177, Kiekko-Espoo U20, 09/14/2008) Max Laatikainen is a 5’11’, 177-pound right-shot defenseman who lacks ideal NHL size but compensates with intelligence, poise, and puck-moving efficiency, and his trajectory (including 6 Liiga games with 2 assists at a young age) makes him a legitimate draft consideration with upside tied to his hockey sense and transition game. His statistical profile at the U20 level (22 GP, 11PTS, +10) is modest but supported by strong underlying metrics, particularly his puck movement (91% pass completion) and retrieval/transition ability (5.9 takeaways, 1.45 puck retrievals per game), which is consistent with prior Neutral Zone evaluations highlighting his composure under pressure and ability to move pucks quickly and cleanly out of the defensive zone. He plays in all situations (17:50 TOI with 2:40 PP and 0:55 PK usage) and shows a well-rounded game, contributing offensively through purposeful off-puck support and puck distribution (0.63 pre-shot passes per game) while also defending effectively by getting to his ice before his opponent and stick detail, reflected in an impressive 56% puck battle win rate despite being undersized. His skating is smooth and efficient, allowing him to maintain tight gaps ending line rushes in the neutral zone and escape pressure when there are no passing lanes. Overall he processes the game quickly, rarely panicking with the puck and shows the confidence to make passing plays through his opponent’s triangle and legs. However, the limitations are clear as he lacks physical presence (0.28 hits per game) and can be overmatched in heavy, net-front or board battles against bigger opponents, and while his puck management is generally strong, he can be forced into jamming the puck up the strong side when under heavy pressure. Offensively, he is more of a facilitator than a dynamic creator, generating modest shot volume (3 attempts, 1.49 on goal per game) and limited high-danger chances (0.85 per game), and does not project as a power-play driver at the National League. Overall, Laatikainen’s combination of hockey sense, puck movement, and early success at the Liiga level gives him a legitimate path, and I believe he has a chance to become an NHL player within a 3-5 year window as a puck-moving, bottom-pairing defenseman who can support transition and play within defensive structure. I would recommend him as a fifth-round draft target, with the understanding that his projection depends on his ability to gain strength and body mass while continuing to process the game at pace.