Photo Credit: Finnish Ice Hockey Association
The Flyers finally drafted a bonafide sniper, at pick 46 in Samu Tuomaala. They needed a goal scorer/sniper, and this was one way to do it. Tuomaala confirmed to us at developmental camp that he will indeed play this season in North America:
“I’m very excited being here. I will play in North America, and first goal is the AHL.” – Samu Tuomaala
The only question left is what league he will be playing in. Will he play in the OHL with the Sudbury Wolves, as he was drafted in the CHL Import Draft in 2020, or the AHL with the Phantoms as he is slide rule eligible due to being drafted when he played in Europe? I do believe he would benefit from playing in the OHL as there is just not much time to evaluate his game or body for the rigors of an AHL season. Tuomaala speaks a little bit of English, but it will take more time to understand everything about the language, “Very excited and happy being here,” Tuomaala said. “It’s very, very big thing to me and my family. I’m very happy,” Tuomaala said in reference to signing an Entry-Level-Contract.
Of course, the AHL is a league that consists of men. There aren’t many 18-year-olds that are able to play in this league on a consistent nightly basis. Usually prospects take time to grow muscle and build strength to handle the rigors of a full AHL season. Tuomaala could benefit from playing in the OHL to build strength and muscle, and can be re-evaluated by the Flyers in the off-season
Tuomaala is a good skater, but like most prospects he can improve upon this area, but he has a great pair of hands. He stands at 5’10, weighs 176 pounds. Tuomaala is a versatile player as he can play both center and wing.
The young, slick gifted shooter in Tuomaala plays a solid two-way game. He gets to the dirty areas to score, and has a lethal wrist shot, as well. His heavy shot is one of the best that this stock of players has. Tuomaala plays in all situations the coaching staff asks of him, and he plays with an aggressive edge. Moreover, this slickster in Tuomaala tallied 15 goals, and 16 assists in 30 games played for Kärpät in the Liiga U20 league. Tuomaala’s passing is just crisp tape to tape, and he has a knack for the net. This pick in Tuomaala is a high valued one, and one that will pay huge dividends in the future, “I need to improve my physical and defending game” Tuomaala said. “I think my first goal play American Hockey League, but let’s see.”
Hopefully, the Flyers will benefit from a gifted player in Tuomaala. This selection was a great start to the draft for the Flyers, who are apparently in a “Win-Now,” mode according to Fletcher. The proud orange-clad fans deserve this selection. They have supported the Flyers through the thick and thin, and it’s time the fans start reaping some of the benefits.
I am so glad Fletcher finally drafted a Fin in Tuomaala, cause Hextall did not and it is nice to finally read scouting and development reports, from fellow Fin in this favorite team of mine!