![]() ![]() Maatta helped the Knights win the final two games of the Rogers Western Conference Championship Series over the Kitchener Rangers to capture their fourth Wayne Gretzky Trophy and first Western Conference title since 2006. But again, he just isn't what the Wild need right now.Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that rookie defenceman Olli Maatta of the London Knights is the OHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 29 after scoring three goals and two assists for five points in two games. He also has a wealth of playing experience as a key contributor to his team. He is a safe prospect as he is very smart and has a good NHL body already. He may chip in a few points here and there. But at the NHL level, he isn't going to run a teams offense or their PP, but will shutdown opponents and stop goals. In addition, his recent playoff run had him show off a bit off his offensive abilities. He makes a good first pass, and has a strong shot from the point. He has tons of interesting physical traits and intangibles. Maatta is a smart and solid skating defensive defenseman. He just isn't what the Wild need, which is offense from either the blueline or the forwards. Thats not to say he is a bad prospect, he isn't. There is much to like in Olli Maatta, but I think I can safely say, I will disappointed if the Wild selected him on draft day. #3-4 Defensive defenseman Video Evidence:Ģ012 Top Prospect: Olli Maatta (via MapleLeafFutures) Where Does He Fit In The Wild? his offensive upside is questionable right now HW Projection: he does not use his shot as often as he should. he doesn’t play with very much physicality. acceleration and transitional footwork need to be addressed. Weaknesses:įootwork and first few steps need some work. quite effective at keeping tight gaps in the defensive zone. good decisions with and without the puck. capable of playing the point effectively on the powerplay. makes smart first passes out of his zone. wins one-on-one battles along the boards. a good skater who can launch himself up ice. can have a positive impact in all three zones. What's the Maatta? (Think I just threw up in my mouth typing that.) Summarized Scouting Report Strengths:Ī steady, stay-at-home blueliner who usually makes the smart first pass. Prospect Jersey (What Would They Look Like In a Wild Jersey?) So without further ado: Introducing our 2012 NHL #15 Draft Prospect - Olli Maattaĭon't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2012 Draft Page as well. ![]() But if you are wondering, "who's who", then you haven't been reading HW because thats my job. So, on June 22nd-23rd, we will all sit down in front of the television/computer and watch the draft. ![]() Some of these names include the Christ-like (or whoever you pray to) Mikael Granlund, Johan Larsson, Charlie Coyle and the recently drafted Jonas Brodin. However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some promise. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name.). The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point. The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. ![]()
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