Julius Saari (D, L, 6’3″, 187, Jokerit U20, 03/07/2007)
Julius Saari is a physically imposing, defense-first left-shot defenseman with international leadership experience and a clear identity as a shutdown presence. He logged a full season with Jokerit’s U20 squad, where he served as a top-four minute-eater and penalty kill mainstay, posting 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) and a +17 rating in 34 games. His usage on special teams and overall impact defensively earned him a captain’s role with Finland’s U18 team at both the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and the World U18 Championships — a testament to his maturity, competitiveness, and consistency.
Saari averaged 18:12 TOI with Jokerit, with just 19 seconds of power play usage and nearly 2 minutes on the PK — a clear reflection of his role. Statistically, his game is built around defensive reliability and efficiency: he blocked nearly a shot per game (0.92), won 62% of puck battles, and completed 88% of his passes. His offensive impact is limited (just 0.15 pre-shot passes/game), but his 6.2 puck recoveries and 1.23 takeaways per game underscore his ability to kill plays and reset possession under pressure. Internationally, he averaged 21:22 TOI at the Hlinka and over 15:00 at the U18 Worlds while finishing +3 with 3 assists in 5 games.
Why Julius Saari Should Be Drafted
1) NHL-Caliber Size and Defensive Detail
At 6’3”, 187 lbs, Saari already has the frame and reach of a pro defender. He closes gaps well, uses his stick effectively in rush defense, and shows excellent body control when angling opponents to the outside. His 62% puck battle win rate and willingness to block shots reinforce his value in his own end.
2) Trusted Leader with International Experience
Saari captained Finland’s U18 team and logged top-four minutes at the Hlinka and U18 World Championship. He played significant penalty kill minutes (4:18/game at the Hlinka), demonstrating composure and reliability under pressure against elite competition.
3) High-End Defensive Awareness and Retrieval Work
He consistently reads pressure, recovers pucks (5.1–8.0 loose puck recoveries after shots/game), and makes the first play. His defensive instincts are sound, and while not flashy, he routinely gets sticks in lanes and disrupts plays with smart positioning and effort.
4) Projects Clearly as a Bottom-Pairing, Matchup Defender
While his offensive ceiling is low, Saari’s floor is defined. He can kill penalties, defend leads, and handle matchups against bigger or heavier opposition. His steady play and presence are assets for pro teams seeking a reliable third-pair option.
Why Julius Saari May Not Be Drafted
1) Very Limited Offensive Upside
Saari’s puck play is direct and basic. He recorded just 4 points in 34 U20 games and averaged only 0.15 pre-shot passes. He does not push pace or create opportunities off the line. He’s unlikely to be a second power play option or contribute offense at the NHL level.
2) Puck Management Under Pressure Needs Work
He’s prone to hesitation on breakouts and can struggle to move pucks quickly under pressure. Notable mistakes in international play — including turnovers leading to goals or penalties — reveal that his retrieval-to-exit decisions remain a development area to focus on.
3) Average Skating for Pace of North American Game
While Saari moves well for his size, his foot speed and agility will need to improve to handle NHL forechecking speed and east-west puck movement. He can be beat off the rush if forced into recovery mode or pulled out of structure.
4) May Project More Comfortably in European Pro Systems
His defensive style and limited puck mobility may translate better to larger ice and structured European play. Without further skill development, he may not separate himself from other North American defensive role players in the draft.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Third-pair NHL shutdown defenseman who provides leadership.
Development Track: 2 years in North American junior hockey (CHL or USHL) and 2 seasons in the AHL focusing on puck movement, breakout consistency, and mobility under forecheck pressure.
Draft Range: 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Julius Saari is a low-risk, role-specific draft candidate who brings size, leadership, and a reliable defensive game. While at this point his offensive tools are limited, his ability to defend, kill penalties, and lead by example make him a viable late-round option for teams seeking to build out the defensive depth chart with dependable, system-compliant players. If he can improve puck decisions and skating pace, he could earn an NHL role as a shutdown left-shot defender.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images