Jasu Mensonen (LW, L, 5’11”, 186, Lukko U20, 01/12/2007)
Jasu Mensonen is a competitive, athletic two-way winger who played a key role this season for both Lukko U20 in Finland’s U20 SM-sarja and the Finnish U18 National Team. He posted 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 40 games for Lukko, while also contributing 12 points in 19 international games, including a strong two-way showing at the 2025 U18 World Championships and 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.
Mensonen averaged 15:33 of TOI in the U20 SM-sarja with top-six minutes and 2:08 of power play usage, while also being used situationally on the penalty kill. His game is built around intelligence, effort, and detail. He generated 1.61 scoring chances per game on 3.7 shot attempts, and while his 10–14% finishing rate is acceptable, he’s still learning how to consistently attack the interior under pressure. His ability to draw penalties (0.24/game), recover pucks (1.17/game), and produce at even strength on a lower-scoring team reflects both individual drive and translatable habits.
However, there are concerns about his limited puck battle success (44% win rate at club level, 39% internationally), average passing game (82%–80%), and occasional trouble handling speed on first steps or defensive zone breakouts. He’s a reliable support piece with middle-six potential, but his ceiling may be capped unless he adds explosiveness and assertiveness with the puck.
Why Mensonen Should Be Drafted
1) Responsible Two-Way Presence with Special Teams Value
Mensonen is used in all situations and excels in detail-oriented roles. He led Finnish forwards in blocked shots at the Hlinka and was consistent on the forecheck and penalty kill. He tracks well through the neutral zone and plays a smart, structured game without the puck. These traits translate well to the National League.
2) Above-Average Skating Mechanics and Momentum Game
Once in motion, Mensonen generates speed and pushes defenders back. He uses strong edge control and balance to protect pucks along the wall, and while his first step needs work, his stride mechanics are sound.
3) Compete Level and Defensive Buy-In
He plays hard through contact and competes along the boards, even if his success rate is average. He backchecks with urgency, covers well in-zone, and consistently supports play below the puck — all traits coaches trust in higher levels of play.
4) Reliable in Transition and Off-Puck Support
Mensonen makes smart reads and facilitates possession transitions through simple, effective puck movement. He plays within structure and knows how to support rather than force plays, limiting turnovers and mistakes.
Why Mensonen May Not Be Drafted
1) Lacks Dynamic Offensive Tools or Separation Gear
While he creates some looks on the power play, Mensonen doesn’t consistently beat defenders 1-on-1 or flash creativity in possession. His vision (0.83 PSP/game) and average pass completion (80–82%) — a limited playmaking ceiling.
2) Below-Average Puck Battle Success
He wins just 44% of his puck battles at the U20 level and 39% internationally. At 5’11”, 185 lbs, he’s not undersized, but he needs to get stronger and play heavier to contribute at the next level.
3) Shot Efficiency and Scoring Threat are Inconsistent
Despite generating 3.7 shots per game at the U20 level, his finishing and ability to get to high-danger areas is inconsistent. He converts just 10–14% of chances and often settles for perimeter looks unless given time and space on the power play.
4) Not Yet a Driver of Play
Mensonen is a strong complementary piece, but he does not yet drive a line or the pace of play. He thrives when playing alongside skilled linemates but doesn’t create or control play independently, which limits his upside as a primary option.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six NHL winger with penalty kill and match-up line value
Development Track: 1season in the U20 SM-sarja with a focus on improving offensive output, driving the pace of play and off ice training. 1 season playing in the Finnish Liiga with a focus on strength training, battle efficiency, and offensive assertiveness. Then 2 seasons in AHL learning the North American game.
Draft Range: 6th–7th Round
Verdict: Mensonen is a dependable, structured winger with a strong two-way foundation and professional habits. While he lacks standout offensive tools, his work ethic, skating base, and willingness to defend tells us he could evolve into a valuable middle-six wing with penalty kill and match-up utility. He’s not a high-upside swing, but a low-risk, potentially NHL-usable piece worth tracking through continued physical and situational development.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images