Sami Vatanen
 

What's his one year upside? long-term? Any news on his training camp results? I know the Ducks brought in Souray but he's a lefty like Fowler while Vatanen is a righty. This kid seems ready to make the jump and he posted strong numbers in the A (first season in NA!) to boot..

Thanks!

He's been getting a lot of press lately, which is great for me because I just drafted him, but I wouldn't expect much in the way of production this year. He'll probably be a call-up if anyone gets injured, at best. If you can spare a farm or prospect spot for him and are willing to wait a year or two he should end up being worth it. The Prospects Report compares his long term upside to Enstrom.

He got the call: http://www.anaheimcalling.com/2013/1...vatanen-hendry

Gotta think it'll get him into a game or two -- it would be moronic to have him sit in the press box. I'd love to see him earn a spot.

Agreed, outside of Fowler I cant think of any other puck moving D for the ducks.

There is Souray, but I do hope he gets a good shot.
Holland played next to nothing before getting shipped back to Norfolk.

Vatanen is getting into his first game tonight.
I hope he puts up a good showing!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/189424341.html

From what I've heard/seen/read, Vatanen is going to be very boom or bust. He seems to have the talent, but he has to be in the right position (e.g. on the PP a lot) and allowed to come up on the rush as well. He shouldn't be counted on in yearly leagues at all, since we have no guarantee as to his ice time.

Definitely. Plus the fact that he's tiny doesn't help.
But the "boom" potential is there. He was doing pretty well in the AHL for his first year in N. American, and was a stud in Finland.

I sure wouldn't count on him for this season, but love that Boudreau is giving him a shot so quickly.

Hilarious:

Vatanen helps himself
The Ducks recalled defenseman Sami Vatanen from Norfolk recently, with Cam Fowler out with an apparent head injury. Vatanen happened to be staying at the Sharks’ team hotel in Anaheim, and decided he wanted a cup of coffee before heading to the rink.

Rather than find a local Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, though, Vatanen waltzed right into the Sharks’ pregame snack room, much to the surprise of several players, many of whom had no idea who he was. He poured a cup for the road, and walked out.

Vatanen, a fourth round pick of the Ducks in 2009, played in his second game in the NHL on Monday.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/kevin...atanens-coffee

He's getting recalled again: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=666116