Observations:

August 2013 – Rajala asked to get out of his contract and the Oilers complied. Rajala wanted to return to Europe. The Oilers opted to release him rather than ‘loan him’ so that the number of players that they have under contract is 46 instead of 47 (the limit is 50). It would appear that his NHL dream is over, barring a Damien Brunner type of surge in Finland. – Dobber

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March, 2013 – The lockout forced Rajala into the ECHL (since Eberle, Hall and Nugent-Hopkins played for OKC). He dominated at that level, posting 38 points in 28 games. He’s been in the AHL for six weeks now yet he still sits fourth in ECHL scoring…Has 18 points in his last 18 AHL games for Oklahoma City. Couldn’t ask for anything more from this guy, great progress. – Dobber

February 2012 – As a 14-year-old, Rajala was touted to be the most promising Finnish prospect since Teemu Selänne and he was destroying the stat lines in every game he played. One of the brightest spots in his career was when he broke Alex Ovechkin’s scoring record in the U18 world champs scoring amazing 19 points in just six games. He hasn’t been able to continue his whopping performance in the men’s games. He has been a decent second-line winger in SM-liiga but he needs a lot of strength to be an NHLer. Rajala will move to play in North America in 12-13 but will likely spend his time in the AHL. – Miika Arponen

Fantasy Outlook: C-

The talent is there, but size and grit are not. It appears he is in Europe for good.

Footage:

Rajala highlights from 2009-2010 with Brandon Wheat Kings:

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

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