Penguins Sign Finland's Top Player
Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League
Jul 4, 12:52 PM | Hype this story!
A tip of the hat to Faceoff Factor regular reader Pens1967 and to the LetsGoPens.com message board for informing us that the Pittsburgh Penguins have added to their roster this morning.
Sources are indicating that the Penguins have signed forward Janne Pesonen who has led his team in SM-Liiga, Finland’s top professional hockey league, to four championships in the last five years.
Some say the 26-year-old Pesonen, who was drafted in the ninth round (269) by the Anaheim Ducks in 2004, is better and more suited to NHL top-line duty than undrafted Swedish star Fabian Brunstrom, who was courted by numerous NHL teams and eventually signed by the Dallas Stars during the playoffs.
In 56 games during the 2007-08 season, Pesonen led his league in scoring with 34 goals and 44 assists for 78 points.
Here is a nice YouTube highlight video, courtesy of EliteProspects.com, which has a complete biography of Pesonen.
Comments
Pens1967
Jul 4, 12:40 PM
Thanks, Matt, but LGP deserves the hat tip, not me. :)
Nathan
Jul 4, 01:05 PM
This SEEMS like great news!
Pens1967
Jul 4, 01:36 PM
Molinari’s report from about an hour ago indicates this may not be quite a done deal.
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The Penguins’ efforts to flesh out their roster have stretched to the far side of the Atlantic.
They are trying to sign free-agent left winger Janne Pesonen, a 26-year-old Finn.
He has been offered a contract, and the Penguins hope to learn later today or tomorrow whether he will accept it. Pesonen is believed to be considering offers from teams in Russia and Switzerland, as well.
Pesonen was selected by Anaheim in the ninth round of the 2004 entry draft, but has not played in North America.
He had 34 goals and 44 assists in 56 games with Karpat in Finland’s Elite League last season, placing him sixth in the league scoring race. His totals were up from 22 goals and 33 assists in the same number of games in 2006-07.
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Justin Maffei
Jul 4, 02:54 PM
I hope it is for long term. He would be a great addition. He and Caputi could spend time on the wings of Malkin and Crosby.
spiker97
Jul 4, 06:00 PM
If they can get this to work out, this is going to be a good move. As long as he is willing to play in North America and can adapt to the 82+ game schedule.
Shero’s doing his research and getting the job done.
Sven
Jul 4, 06:11 PM
He’s a soff diver.
Justin Maffei
Jul 4, 08:46 PM
Looks like it is going to be a one-year deal. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08186/894850-61.stm
Justin Maffei
Jul 4, 09:33 PM
Found this at http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7179/top40_prospects_in_finland/favicon.ico
It was written in 2004 and Pesonen was ranked as the number 26 prospect in Finland by the author.
26. Janne Pesonen, RW (ANA)
Progress: Needs work
When Pesonen first entered the fight for SM-Liiga roster spots, he seemed like the typical Finnish youngster: flawless mobility, honed physique and adequate skills but no real potential. Unlike most others, he managed to rise onto a higher level. In 2004 he demonstrated good sniper skills and better overall ability. Another season of notable development would help a lot in proving that he could go far. As far as NHL hopes go, the odds are naturally against a ninth round pick.
Justin Maffei
Jul 4, 09:43 PM
... and this at http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/7551/mighty_ducks_european_prospects_update/
Janne Pesonen – Right Wing – Karpat
Pesonen broke out last year in his first full season of SM-Liiga play. He was named rookie of the year in the Finnish league and then was drafted as a 22-year-old in the ninth round. With such a whirlwind first year, Pesonen hasn’t been able to serve up much in terms of an encore. He has been relying too much on his linemates in order to produce. This tendency was visible last season, and he’s been unable to shake it. It’s catching up with him, as he seems to be unable to create chances on his own. Slight in stature, Pesonen doesn’t shy from physical play, but he isn’t known for his grit either. Outlook: Pesonen’s playing for a strong Karpat team and isn’t too far off of his production from last season, with seven goals and 21 points in 47 games. He’ll need to show more and continue to develop if he wants to get a second glance from Anaheim. Pesonen is the definition of a late round pick; he has potential but there are questions on whether he can put it all together.
Justin Maffei
Jul 4, 09:44 PM
Last link … Career stats from TSN.ca
http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=4911&team=Ana#stats
Pens1967
Jul 5, 07:31 AM
I was a little puzzled by the one year deal,
but Molinari’s story today says that is IAW the CBA which mandates a one year, two-way contract for players in Pesonen’s situation.
Not sure exactly how that’s defined, though.
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