When i was dealing with the Article: Drafting Bolsters Defensive Future (June 16th), i talked about a young group of budding Flyers blueliners. But i left one out, Joonas Lehtivuori, a 2006 draftee of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Taken with the 101st overall pick in 2006 the Flyers got a great 6'0" puck moving defensman. Joonas is known for his great passing ability and much like Chris Pronger his first pass. He is highly touted for his hockey sense and great skating ability as well. However his size is a concern moving forward to the NHL.
After being drafted Joonas played 3 more years in the Finnish Pro Hockey League, where he compiled 33 points in 133 games. Which isn't bad for a small 20 year old defenseman playing against pros. There after Joonas directed his attention toward North American hockey, and signed with the Adirondack Phantoms.
Joonas faired well in his 1st year of play, talling 5 goals and 23 points in 66 games. Holmgren said on Lehtivuori: "Joonas is what you call a puck-skill defenseman, He played in Finland for 4 years so he's probably a little more advance than some of our other kids." -THN.
Homer's thoughts most mean that Lehtivuori could see an NHL call up before some of his AHL teamamtes if he progress steadily.
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