Nikolai Hakala

Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, June 2021: Massive is an under statement. Developmentally I love that he’s playing center rather than being hidden on the wing because he has to move his feet and he has to be engaged mentally in all three zones. Offensively he knows to keep it simple and get to the net. He’s a solid net front presence and is willing to take the goalie’s vision. Defensively he wanders a bit, but is able to get his stick on pucks because of his ridiculous reach. Long term you’re looking at a bottom six forward who can kill penalties, take key draws in both ends and be an imposing physical presence. What the NHL teams need to find out is about his work ethic in the gym and on the turf. Is he’s willing to do what it takes off the ice so he’s capable to fulfill his role on the ice for a decade.

Neutral Zone’s Ed Besinger, May 2021: Massive left-shot Finnish forward that is listed at 6’6’’ and 218 pounds. He played this past season in the Finnish U20 League for Ilves. He is scheduled to play in Liiga next year for Ilves. He scored 24 points (10 goals) in 36 U20 games this past season. Nikolai is very raw at this stage in his development. He is a big power forward that spent most of his time this season at center. He has a long frame and long thin legs. Will be able to put on weight as he gets older. He is athletic but needs to improve his quickness and skating. He has the physical tools and is difficult to contain along the boards and down low below the dots. Uses his body positioning and reach well to shield the puck from defenders. He is a strong net-front presence on the power play and makes goalies life hard. He doesn’t try and do too much offensively. He gets the puck deep and gets to the net for rebounds. A long term project that could be someone to watch in a few years.