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2019 NHL Draft: New York Rangers Select Leevi Aaltonen 130th Overall

The New York Rangers continued their 2019 Draft by selecting Leevi Aaltonen with the 130th overall selection. Aaltonen appeared in 29 games with the KalPa U20 team in the Jr. A SM-Liiga where he registered 36 points in 29 games.

Vitals

Position: RW

Age on Draft Day: 18

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 168 lbs

2018-2019 Stats:  29 Games Played |  12 Goals |  24 Assists |  36 Points

Draft Rankings

Central Scouting (EU Skaters Only): 29th

Corey Pronman: 69th

After drafting primarily defenseman during day two of the draft, the Rangers selected their second forward in Leevi Aaltonen. According to Corey Pronman, Aaltonen is considered the third or fourth best “pure” skater in the draft class.

Here’s a scouting report from Proman’s 2019 Draft Board on The Athletic.

“Aaltonen has been a top player in his age group for years, often playing ahead of his age level. He stagnated a bit of late but remains a very talented and intriguing prospect. What makes him so valuable are his feet and pace. He’s so elusive inside the offensive zone because of his explosive first step. He buzzes around the ice with the puck with a high compete level and is always looking to attack. Aaltonen is dangerous on the power play because of how he creates 2-on-1’s with his skating, but also because he’s a very good playmaker and finisher. He finds seams well and has a hard wrist shot that he can pick corners with. For a smaller forward who is an offensive player, his 1-on-1 play is underwhelming. He rarely makes plays through defenders and lacks individual skill.”

The Rangers will have three picks remaining at #161, #205 and #216.

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