Aron Kiviharju

April 2024 – It’s been almost six months since the last time Kiviharju saw game action before today (Apr. 18th, 2024) as he played a U18 exhibition game against the Swiss. Recording 1G + 1A he was back to playing his own strengths, passing the puck extremely well while maintaining composure. The upside with Kiviharju is clear, he’s one of the best passers and smartest hockey minds in this year’s draft. The concerns we had before his injury are still present. His game lacks physicality and he doesn’t possess as offensively high-end tools as some of his puck-moving defenseman peers. Nonetheless, his upside keeps him in close proximity to our first round. Anni Karvinen (April Rankings: 34th)

November 2023 – Aron Kiviharju was one of the earliest names to pop up from this draft class, and for a good reason. He’d been playing with older age groups, producing well and showcasing some highlight-reel-worthy skill. Despite making his debut in the Liiga at just 16 years old, his development has encountered some setbacks. He’s been battling some injuries and having some difficulties in translating his offensive game to the Liiga level. It’s fair to point out that he hasn’t gotten a lot of power play deployment that could have helped him to elevate his offensive game. Despite these challenges, Kiviharju’s strengths remain evident. He thinks the game on a level only few can. He anticipates plays exceptionally well and makes smart decisions with and without the puck. He’s a great passer and has showcased strong, deceptive playmaking skills on the blueline on a junior level. His defensive game relies heavily on his stick work and the physical side of the game is something he really needs to work on. That said, it’s a rare occurrence that a defenseman can play significant Liiga minutes in his draft year so it’s safe to say the potential is imminent. Anni Karvinen (November Rankings: 13th overall)