Finland’s talent is on the rise
This year’s top ten is expected to feature at least one Finnish player — Alberts Smits — according to most public rankings. Another name climbing the board is Oliver Suvanto, who landed 16th overall in EliteProspects’ latest list.
It is not just the youngest teenagers making a mark in Liiga this season. From undrafted overagers to 2025 NHL selections, a wide mix of prospects are pushing their way into the spotlight.
Here are a few more notable names to keep on your watchlist — plus a full update on this season’s overall Liiga prospect rankings.
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Keep on the Watchlist
Santeri Huovila, LW, 6-0 — Undrafted
2G, 26A, 20GP — Liiga (D+4 season)
Four years ago, Huovila was listed at 5-8 in his 2022 draft year. He then grew four inches and dominated the junior circuit in Finland before establishing himself as a pro with 42 points in 49 games.
It is an excellent sign when a young player adapts quickly to a growing frame. Even with a near point-per-game pace in Liiga, Huovila went undrafted for a third time in 2025. His contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and he could be an interesting asset for any team willing to take a gamble.
Huovila continues to show that his blend of pace and intelligence is enough to not only complement the top of a lineup but drive play at it too. His current 1.45 PPG is 5th all-time for Liiga scoring rates, excluding players with fewer than 20 games played.
For the absolute deepest of dynasty leagues with recurring entry drafts, he could be a very sneaky add.
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Atte Joki, C, 6-2 — 146th overall in 2025 (DAL)
3G, 7A, 25GP — Liiga (D+1 season)
In his first year of professional hockey, Joki has shown himself to be better than expected. Last season, he was drafted in the 5th round after putting up less than a point per game in Finland’s U20 league.
He has been known as a defensive centre — a positive contributor all over the ice, but not a difference-maker. With 10 points over his first 25 games, and four in the last ten, Joki is starting to show he can make a difference on the attack.
His foot speed has taken a step forward, and he is more assertive with the puck than he was in his draft year. Joki is not going to be rostered in most leagues — but you would not be reading this if you were just managing an average fantasy hockey team.
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Lasse Boelius, LHD, 6-1 — 60th overall in 2025 (ANA)
1G, 4A, 25GP — Liiga (D+1 season)
This level of production from an NHL prospect does not jump off the page. What should intrigue fans is that Boelius has three of those five total points in his last ten games. He has been seeing more ice time lately and is taking that chance in stride.
Boelius’s stride is foundational to his game — speaking of — and it is only improving. His mechanics are so sound and skating so fluid that he can change the play on a dime — and his hands can keep up.
His projection remains steady as an NHL defender without much fantasy relevance — for now. But Anaheim has a knack for drafting defencemen outside the first round. They tend to blossom later on. Boelius should be on your radar.
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Benjamin Rautiainen, C/W, 6-0 — 108 overall in 2025 (TBL)
9G, 23A, 26GP — Liiga (D+3 season)
Covered in my October Liiga report at Dobber Prospects. The late round steal is definitely worth adding in deep dynasty leagues. He is showing uncommon dominance (1.23 PPG) in Finland’s top professional league at age 20.
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Alberts Smits, LHD, 6-3 — 2026 draft eligible
6G, 6A, 25GP — Liiga (D-0 season)
Covered in my October Liiga report at Dobber Prospects. Keep an eye out for the 2026 Draft team’s coverage here at Dobber.
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Liiga 2025 Season Watchlist
This list will maintain the prospects covered in the Dobber Prospects monthly Liiga updates. The player ranks will be based on fantasy upside and updated with every new article. Contract status and NHL team situation is considered.
- Alberts Smits
- Jesse Kiiskinen
- Benjamin Rautiainen
- Kasper Kulonummi
- Oliver Suvanto
- Aron Kiviharju
- Lasse Boelius
- Atte Joki
- Santeri Huovila
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Thank you for reading this article on Liiga prospects. I’m Arden — a Vancouver-based Online Journalism and Broadcasting student with a passion for community storytelling, hockey, and photography. Find my work here: https://linktr.ee/ardenmcleod