Aron Kiviharju

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)