With the 52nd pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Nashville Predators select RW Miikka Salomaki

by Chris Burton on Jun 25, 2011 11:44 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News

With the 52nd pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected Miikka Salomaki, a right wing from the Finnish Elite League. Salomaki is just 18, and was ranked as the 7th best European skater heading into the draft. Standing 5'11, he is considered more of a two-way player. Per SB Nation's Blue Jackets affiliate The Cannon:

Miika Salomäki isn't going to remind anyone of a prolific scorer, but he plays a decent two-way game at a young age. He made the jump to FInland's SM-liiga at just 17, and put up respectable numbers for his age. Central Scouting has him ranked as the 7th European skater heading into the draft. Salomäki isn't a big kid, and will need some seasoning both back in Finland and in the AHL before he's considered an NHL prospect, but he's a solid skater who plays hard each and every shift.

At this point of the draft, almost all the prospects are three or four years away from NHL action, and this is no exception. The Predators likely picked who they thought was the best player available, nothing more.

Matchsticks & Gasoline also has a profile piece on Salomaki available for you.

Here are some video highlights of Salomaki's game:

Poll

What do you think of the Miika Salomaki pick?

Thumbs up

112 votes

Thumbs down

35 votes

147 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Another Two-Way Forward?

Sounds like the Predator way to me…though I really was hoping for more of a sniper :-/

"Be quick, but don't hurry. Do not let what you can't do interfere with what you can." - John Wooden

by KnightOfNi222 on Jun 25, 2011 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

The next Antti Pihlstrom, wheeeeeeeeeee!

by Grizzledbear on Jun 25, 2011 12:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

We have a winner!

Exactly how I see it. AP was very entertaining to watch at the AHL level, unfortunately he was never able to unleash the hounds so to speak under Trotz.

by BrianAdsFan on Jun 26, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Picking up an AP type guy in the latter rounds is a good thing, but in the 2nd round? Again, there were more skilled players still on the board at #52 than this guy. I wish him well, but this was a bizarre draft for us.

by Grizzledbear on Jun 26, 2011 11:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Salomaki is compared to Tuomo Ruutu, not Antti Pihlstrom

Predators Hockey: Live it, Love it...
Follow me on Twitter: @SLakePreds

by Seth Lake on Jun 26, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

By some he is. What’s clear from every report I’ve read on him is that he has average hands and puck skills and lacks the type of speed you want a smaller player like him to have. That equates to a 3rd/4th liner, not a top 6 guy like Ruutu. Ruutu is a physical player, but he has really good skills as well.

by Grizzledbear on Jun 26, 2011 2:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Eh, I’m ok with this. At least it’s a forward, but sounds like a 3rd/4th line guy all the way. It’s a “meh”, but I gave it a thumbs up.

Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."

by DonBorvio on Jun 25, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

Just noticed that this guy was ranked right at #52 by Bob McKenzie, who is my gold standard for all things hockey. Hellborg, however, was an honerable mention on his list, not even in the top 60 picks. We should just let BM make our picks from now on. :/

by Grizzledbear on Jun 25, 2011 7:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions