Observations:

September 2013 – After splitting time between the ECHL’s Trenton Titans and AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons in 2012-13, goaltender Niko Hovinen has ventured to the KHL to backstop the crease for Metallurg Novokuznetsk. Despite a massive frame, Hovinen didn’t find his form in North American and has likely left his NHL chances behind. Brendan Ross

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January 2013 – Philadelphia was poised to terminate his contract when the Oilers claimed him on waivers. He has had a rough season in the ECHL to this point and will likely be reassigned there. Edmonton is reaching for depth at all levels as they are yet to get comfortable with Tyler Bunz at the AHL level. This fresh start might be what Hovinen needs with a new goalie coach in his ear. Many signs are currently pointing to avoid him until further notice. Jason Banks

August, 2012 – (excerpt from the 2012 DobberHockey Fantasy Prospects Report, via Justin Goldman of Goalie Post) He has all of the juicy elements you want in a prospect, including size, reflexes, and overall skills. He’s being developed in a quality program in Lahti (SM-liiga), and he will continue to improve as time goes on. The only issue with his fantasy potential (aside from Bryzgalov) is the recurring hip injuries he suffered. That’s the last place a goalie of his stature wants to be having surgeries, but he missed chunks of the second half of the season, and then the final three games of the SM-liiga finals, as the Pelicans lost to JYP in five games. Again, be cautious in that regard, but don’t overlook him. He’s likely to spend one more season in Finland, and then head over to North America. Let’s just hope the Flyers don’t rush his development like they did with Sergei Bobrovsky.

Fantasy Outlook: D-

Not fantasy relevant at this time. He has played his way out of North America.

Footage:

Hovinen makes the save in a shootout:

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Niko Hovinen’s Statistics

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