Eetu Orpana (C, L, 6’0″, 195, Tappara U20, 04/17/2007)
Eetu Orpana is a well-rounded, responsible two-way forward playing for Tappara’s U20 squad in Finland’s top junior league. Possessing pro-average size already, Orpana brings a smart and reliable approach to the center position. He is an effective puck distributor, competes in all three zones, and shows mature habits without the puck. That said, his current projection is limited by a lack of offensive dynamism and physical engagement. He rarely dominates shifts and his offensive numbers, both in raw totals and per-game indicators, suggest a player who contributes more in support than through direct impact.
Why Eetu Orpana Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Strong Foundation in the Middle of the Ice
Orpana is already trusted in all situations at the junior level, logging time on both the power play (1:45/game) and penalty kill (0:48/game). He wins 51% of his faceoffs while taking a healthy volume (12 per game), which is a strong indicator of center reliability. He also averages 14 puck battles per game and wins over half of them (51%)—a clear sign of his engagement in competitive areas. - High-End Hockey Sense and Game Management
He is a player who understands spacing and structure: 3.1 takeaways per game, 1.52 loose puck recoveries after shots, and a 0.31 shots-blocked rate (suggesting deceptive shooting habits and the ability to change release points). His 85% pass completion rate and 0.85 passes per game leading to Grade “A” chances highlight vision and processing, even if his execution is more steady than creative. - Consistency in International Competition
In ten U18 international games for Finland this season, Orpana has 9 points (4G, 5A) and is one of only two players on the team operating at a point-per-game pace. He has shown he can elevate when surrounded by stronger competition and can be a dependable contributor in structured, high-pressure games.
Why Eetu Orpana Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Underwhelming Shot Volume and Goal Production
Despite his size and minutes, Orpana averages just 2.5 shot attempts and 1.65 shots on goal per game — far too low for a forward who receives top-six usage and regular power play minutes. With only 9 goals in 38 games, he is trailing significantly behind team leaders in goal scoring. For a center with NHL aspirations, he must become more assertive and consistent offensively. - Passive Physical Engagement
For a player standing 6’0″, 195 lbs, Orpana averages only 0.09 hits given per game. That is a glaring red flag at the junior level, particularly in the Finnish league where physical play is a part of its DNA. His game lacks push — both literally and figuratively. He rarely imposes himself physically or uses his frame to dominate space. Scouts are likely left wondering if the motor is high enough for pro-level impact. - Limited Offensive Ceiling
While he creates 1.59 Grade “A” scoring chances/game and finishes them at a 16% rate, he doesn’t consistently generate or finish at a high-end clip. His game projects more as a safe, bottom-six two-way forward than someone who could grow into a play-driving NHL pivot. The lack of dynamic skating or creativity, paired with modest production at the junior level, suggests a lower offensive ceiling.
Projection and Recommendation:
Draft Range: Rounds 5–7
NHL Projection: Bottom-six two-way center/winger
Final Take:
Eetu Orpana is a mature, smart, structurally-sound forward who brings responsibility and polish to his game. He wins draws, makes good reads, and shows a clear understanding of his role in all three zones. He doesn’t hurt his team and has the tools to be a reliable, detail-oriented center at the professional level.
However, Orpana lacks flash, physicality, and assertiveness. There’s little that jumps off the page from a tools standpoint, and his low shot volume, low offensive creation rates, and passive physical play raise questions about whether there’s enough upside to warrant a draft pick.
Recommendation: Worth a flyer in the 5th or 7th round as a long-term development project. His habits, hockey sense, and positional reliability give him a pro foundation. If he can layer in physical maturity and add more offensive assertiveness, there may be a serviceable bottom-six NHLer down the road.