Henri Ikonen, LW
Shoots: L	Height: 6-0	Weight: 190
Born: 1994.04.17	Hometown: Savonlinna, FIN	Drafted: 2013 by Tampa Bay Lightning, 154th overall

 

Observations:

April 2018 – After playing out his ELC between the AHL and ECHL, Ikonen departed North America to join his home-country's KHL team, Jokerit. The 23-year-old had a mediocre season with the Finnish club that will likely not warrant a return to North America any time soon. Brayden Olafson

 

June 2017 – The writing on the wall in the Lightning system has turned the compass for Ikonen, as the 23-year-old left-winger has officially signed with Jokerit of the KHL for the next two seasons. Ikonen's entry-level contract with the Lightning expired following Syracuse's playoff run, of which he was dressed for only one game. The sixth-round pick was unlikely to receive a second contract offer from the Lightning during the offseason, as they will need to make room in their 50-contract limit to allow for 2017 draftees who may deserve ELC's. Brayden Olafson

 

June 2017 – After a demotion to the ECHL as part of his third season in North America, the 23-year-old Ikonen returned to a savvy collection of youth and experience with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch. The Finnish sixth-round-pick played somewhat of a leadership role with the Crunch, where he fit right in the middle of the AHL journeymen and the newest recruits; he wore an 'A' for several games. A restricted free-agent this off-season, Ikonen could potentially receive an AHL contract to remain with the Crunch, but with Tampa's forward depth his chances of receiving a qualifying offer from the Lightning are lower. Brayden Olafson

 

September 2014 – Ikonen is two-way, playmaking winger with no glaring weakness in his game. He skates well, has good speed, is not afraid of physical play and works very hard in the corners. While he has a defensive-first mindset, he's also lead his teams in scoring, another good sign for his career as an NHLer moving forward. In 2012-13, Ikonen's 51 points in 61 games was tops on a very weak Kingston squad. In 2013-14, Ikonen's 70 points in 54 games for Kingston ranked behind only Sam Bennett. In the 2014 OHL Coaches Poll, Ikonen was voted one of the league's most underrated players and best shootout players, further highlighting the effectiveness of this player. After signing his entry-level contract with Tampa Bay in April, Ikonen began his professional career in Syracuse. Ikonen played in all situations, notching two assists in six games played and left a very positive impression on management. 

 

 

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Ikonen will spend a couple years in the AHL adapting his game to the pro level, but there's some intriguing potential here and he's a lock to make the NHL. On a team with less forward depth, Ikonen would receive a higher fantasy outlook grade here.  

 

 

Footage:

Ikonen is awarded a penalty shot and scores highlight-reel worthy goal as a result:

{youtube}P1SOS_tr75Q{/youtube}

 

 

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

{source}{/source}