Hey Jokke! Tell us about Juusi Riikola.

[Doug Glatt]

His name conjures up memories of odd-tasting cough lozenges.
Every Pens top 4 D needs to be taken seriously though. What should we do about him? Buy, or just watch list for now?

[mounD]

I've only watched this guy in the preseason, but as a Penguins fan he is someone I am definitely interested in now. Simply put, he's a player. He's already established in professional hockey and turns 25 in November, so he is basically just adjusting to the North American game. He has all the skills necessary to succeed in the modern NHL defensive game. Smooth skating, plus puck skills, good vision, decent size at 6'0" 190lbs.

During one of the games I watched against Columbus, Riikola displayed his skills in a number of effective ways. First, he scored a goal on an end-to-end rush with the puck, finishing with a nice move to the backhand flicking the puck upstairs over Korpisalo. A really nice play highlighting his awareness, speed, vision, hands, and finishing ability. Next, there was a great defensive play on a 2-on-1 in which he laid out to defend the pass across. His timing on this play was perfect. Another sequence that impressed me occurred during a Penguins PK. On one shift Riikola laid a couple big body checks, the second of which he flattened Bjorkstrand. All around he looked solid in his game, much more capable than Jack freakin Johnson.

[Jouko-Pouko]

I've only watched this guy in the preseason, but as a Penguins fan he is someone I am definitely interested in now. Simply put, he's a player. He's already established in professional hockey and turns 25 in November, so he is basically just adjusting to the North American game. He has all the skills necessary to succeed in the modern NHL defensive game. Smooth skating, plus puck skills, good vision, decent size at 6'0" 190lbs.

During one of the games I watched against Columbus, Riikola displayed his skills in a number of effective ways. First, he scored a goal on an end-to-end rush with the puck, finishing with a nice move to the backhand flicking the puck upstairs over Korpisalo. A really nice play highlighting his awareness, speed, vision, hands, and finishing ability. Next, there was a great defensive play on a 2-on-1 in which he laid out to defend the pass across. His timing on this play was perfect. Another sequence that impressed me occurred during a Penguins PK. On one shift Riikola laid a couple big body checks, the second of which he flattened Bjorkstrand. All around he looked solid in his game, much more capable than Jack freakin Johnson.

Well said. He's a puck-moving defenseman who can also lay big hits occasionally. Not great defensively but he's smart, and because of that he can make smart defensive reads. Because he's almost 25 already, he pretty much is what he's going to be. I have no idea how he handles a full NHL season, though. But that's the risk we have to take. I added him recently in one or two leagues where he was available.

[Doug Glatt]

Yep, I'm adding him. Thanks boys, great stuff.

[stevegamer]

All I can add is that listening to Elite Prospects announce his name while watching a Ricola ad on mute is great.

Seriously, though, thanks for bringing him to my attention.

[StuntMan12]

Riikola will appear in his first NHL game against the Golden Knights on Thursday, Sam Kasan of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

[VincentVega]

He looked impressive in his debut. Very intrigued.

[bondon]

This is just the thread I was looking for.

My league is a points-based league that has a rookie rule that you must roster one rookie on your team at all times. Riikola is incredibly intriguing to me because our league rewards SOG, hits, and blocks quite well. He's also intriguing because he's older, so conceivably should get a longer leash I assume?

What are people's projections on this guy for this year?

[ericdaoust]

I don't see huge offensive upside here but in the right multi-cat league he could be a nice option to round out your roster. The Pens have done well getting value out of their dmen and many of the guys they have in the fold now are injury-prone. That works in Riikola's favor.

[loco man]

I followed him very closely in camp and what struck me was that Sullivan was not shocked to see his production and stellar play. He referenced that he expected him to fit right in and was very confident in his chances based on the Pens scouting department. I like his chances to stick and produce.

[Henrik18]

So with Schultz out for the Pens...would you add Riikola in my league?
2 games 5hits 7blocks i like his peripherals...would drop Klefbom?

[loco man]

no way id drop Klef for him but he is worth an add off the wire