Liiga’s season is drawing to a close. We have covered 15 prospects so far, and this edition of late add candidates will bring that total to 18.
One returning prospect is making back-to-back appearances — and for good reason. Make sure to add Keskinen if you take anything away from this article.
I am assuming you, as a reader of Liiga coverage, are either a big fan of Finland’s rising talent or you manage a dynasty team in a relatively deep format.
Let’s dive in.
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Santeri Sulku, 6-4, LW — 197 overall in 2022 (PHI)
6G, 7A, 19GP (KooKoo)
The hulking winger has missed significant time due to injuries since being drafted by the Flyers. Sulku missed his entire D+1 season and returned to Finland’s second-tier pro league blazing hot, posting 26 points in 35 games the following year.
He brings a mix of size and skill that gives him a clear edge on the ice. Sulku is deft with his stick, using it to deflect shots, retrieve possession, or handle the puck in transition.
That combination has allowed Sulku to immediately impact any league he has played in, notching 0.68 points-per-game in his first 19 Liiga games. The Flyers pick also scored eight points in nine Mestis games this year.
The biggest knock on him has always been a lack of physical engagement, along with a slight frame. Sulku will need to add more muscle and show he can endure a rougher style of play. His toolset is uniquely intriguing, and he has been very successful in one of the best leagues in the world.
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Joona Saarelainen, 5-9, RW — 159 overall in 2024 (TBL)
6G, 14A, 45GP (KalPa)
Tampa Bay’s fifth-round pick took a big step in Finland’s top pro league this season. Saarelainen finished 2024-25 with 0.24 points-per-game through 21 games and has 0.44 through 45 games this season.
That is nearly double the production year-over-year, showing the undersized forward is adjusting his game to be effective at the pro level.
The winger has really turned it on lately, scoring seven points in his last ten games. Saarelainen might also be feeling the residual effects of a strong World Juniors showing, where he scored four goals in seven games while wearing the “A”.
Tampa Bay is very good at mining talent in Finland. I would simply add him and tuck him away in case he pops — his trajectory is high.
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Oiva Keskinen, C/LW, 6-0 — 193 overall in 2023 (CBJ)
16G, 14A, 41GP (Tappara)
The pesky forward is getting back-to-back features in the Liiga coverage at Dobber. Keskinen registered under 0.5 PPG in the first third of the season. Since then, he has racked up 20 points in 20 games among Finland’s best.
He has netted six goals in his last ten games, adding four assists. What stands out lately for Keskinen is his all-around game. He is constantly engaged — taking the body, blocking lanes, and retrieving possession.
That translates into a ton of offensive opportunities for his line. Keskinen has a +/- of +22 on the season. That is impressive no matter what you think of the stat.
Columbus certainly has a gem on its hands. The fact he has improved every single year — and never looked out of place in Liiga — bodes very well for his NHL projection.
Expect Keskinen to join the AHL with a bang next year. Stash him now, as he will be available in most formats but could be playing meaningful minutes in an NHL top-nine within a few years.
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Sebastian Soini, 6-2, RHD — 140 overall in 2024
2G, 3A, 33GP (Ilves)
Taken in the fifth round of 2024, Soini is playing his first full season in Liiga. He has the size, IQ, and poise to be a positive influence in most games.
Soini has a late birthday and is still only 19 years old. He plays a consistent role in the top six and has put up seven points with very little ice time.
He generates opportunities at an efficient rate while providing a physical edge. Soini is not afraid to use the body — in fact, he welcomes it. He needs to improve his transition play, as he gets caught along the boards far too often.
There is runway here. Soini will not be a defender on an NHL team’s top two pairings, but he could play games. He is worth monitoring because all the tools are there. If he puts it all together, he would be a very intriguing prospect.
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Liiga 2025 Season Watchlist
This list maintains the prospects covered in the Dobber Prospects monthly Liiga updates. Player ranks are based on fantasy upside and updated with every new article. Contract status and NHL team situation are considered.
- Smits
- Rautiainen
- Kulonummi
- Rimpinen
- Suvanto
- Keskinen
- Boelius
- Kiviharju
- Kiiskinen
- Joki
- Sulku
- Saarelainen
- Huovila
- Koivu
- Kuhta
- Somervuori
- Soini
- Bednar
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Final Thoughts
As this season in Finland’s top league comes to a close, I cannot help but be excited for next year. The young talent in Liiga keeps pushing the envelope. That trend has not slowed down, and it is not going to now.
If there is anything I have learned from tracking Liiga prospects over the past few years, it is that this league can produce unearthed gold more often than not.
Players like Rautiainen, Rimpinen, Kiiskinen, and others tend to get overlooked by managers. I bet the same will happen with Alberts Smits in most dynasty entry drafts this year. Even if he is a top-ten selection, managers will slight Liiga and, by result, him as well.
Do not be one of those managers.
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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. You can find more of my work and my contact information on my website: ardenmcleod.ca