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:
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