Santeri Hatakka

December 2024 – Hatakka got a glimpse of the NHL last season, where he played admirably in a third-pair role. He has an active stick in his end and a willingness to use his body to separate the opponent from the puck, while his smart pinching and heady puck distribution in the offensive zone provide some offensive upside. Despite the low point totals on a weak Utica Comets team, he still projects as a solid two-way, third-pair defenseman who will see some penalty-killing time. JP Gambatese

July 2024 – There is a good chance that Hatakka would be getting more minutes on a team with weaker defensive depth, but even getting 12 games in the NHL is a positive for Hatakka, who hasn’t looked out of place so far in limited viewings. He showed some surprisingly decent puck-moving abilities for the Devils, along with his naturally calm poise. Many players are described as too good for the AHL and not good enough for the NHL, but Hatakka is somewhat the opposite, not someone too good for the minors, but good enough in showcasing he deserves a real NHL shot. Austin Kelly

November 2023 – Has good maturity and poise on the ice, showcasing a good read of the game. Looked well for New Jersey in the preseason, and looks like someone who could gain a call-up to the Devils if needed, but his NHL certainty may not be more than a reliable bottom-pair defenseman in the bigs. – Austin Kelly

February 2023 – Hatakka has been traded to the New Jersey Devils along with Timo Meier. Ben Gehrels

June 2022 – Hatakka has continued his steady development since being drafted in the sixth round in 2019 and earned his first handful of games with the Sharks potting two points in nine games. While I’m a fan of his awareness and decision-making, there isn’t a ton of offensive talent available for him to unlock. Donesh Mazloum

December 2020  –  For the second year in a row, Hatakka has been selected to Team Finland’s World Junior Championship roster. The Sharks sixth-round pick in 2019 is currently playing in the Liiga, Finland’s highest professional league. Hatakka will look to bring his skill and experience to Finland’s backend for his final year of eligibility. Alex Howes 

September 2019 – Hatakka was named the top defenseman in the recent U20 Four Nations tournament. Hatakka scored both the opening goal and the game winner in a game against Sweden. Hatakka’s best asset is his skating ability and it was on full display during the tournament. He loves to jump into the rush and it payed off. It is never wise to put too much stock into a single tournament but it is a great sign to see an 18 year old player play this well in any U20 event. Chris Legg

June 2019 – Hatakka has been drafted 184^th overall by the Sharks.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2019 – Hatakka was the top defenseman on a relatively weak Jokerit U20 squad this season. He put up pretty mediocre numbers (13 points in 43 games), but I believe there is some upside in his game.

Hatakka skates very well. Particularly his top speed is really nice. He is solid at transitions, although I would like him to join the rush more often. Some of that could be forgiven considering he played big minutes and was used in every situation. Hatakka was sometimes used in front of the net on Jokerit’s power play. His two-way play is nice and his positioning in the defensive zone is at a good level for a player his age. Hatakka needs to become a more reliable with the puck, as he is prone to mishandling it occasionally. His lack of skill might limit his offensive upside, but it is something that can be worked at and improved.  Lassi Alanen