Even though Team Finland does not have the record that everyone expects them to, New Jersey Devils prospect Lenni Hämeenaho continues to stand out.
As TSN Analyst Mike Johnson said on the broadcast, “Lenni Hämeenaho has been Finland’s nest offensive even though the results may not show it.”
In 17 games in Finland playing in Lilga with Ässät he has 17 points (11 goals and six assists), and that play has carried into the 2024 World Junior Championship.
Hämeenaho may have only one assist through three games for Finland, but every time he is on the ice and has the puck, he is very noticeable, especially in the offensive zone. That is where he is at his best.
“I think I’m a smart player. I’m best with the puck in the offensive zone,” Hämeenaho told Full Press Hockey back at the 2023 NHL Draft. “I like to be with the puck. Create scoring for myself and my linemates.”
One thing that has made him so effective for Team Finland is his ability to win 50/50 puck battles along the boards. This allows Finland to keep attacking in the offensive zone.
Even though Finland may not have scored as many goals as people thought they might have, Hämeenaho continues to play well. Even in the loss to Canada in Finland’s opening game, you could see why the New Jersey Devils selected him in the 2nd round (58th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft.
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Hämeenaho was tied for the team lead in shots with four and had several great opportunities to light the lamp. and was robbed early on by Team Canada goalie Mathis Rousseau.
One of his better qualities is his intelligence on the ice. Hämeenaho is extremely smart without the puck and plays a 200-foot game. Not to mention he knows how to find the quiet areas on the ice to release his shot in the offensive and find rebound opportunities.
One of the big assets of his game is anticipating possible passing lanes as we saw on Finland’s second goal against Latvia.
Even though defense is something that he would like to work on before he makes that transition to the NHL one day.
“Maybe defensive zone game. I would like to be better at defending, Hämeenaho told Full Press Hockey at the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Devils have a good player in Lenni Hämeenaho in their system, and he will be effective for them once he comes to North America.
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