Aron Kiviharju

September 2026 – Kiviharju continued to develop with HIFK in Liiga, putting up 17 points in 48 games as a  20-year-old defenseman. That is a step forward from the 16 points in 52 games he posted the year prior,  but the offensive output still has not reached the level his pre-draft hype suggested. He added six goals  this season, double his previous best, and his nine assists in 14 World Junior games across two  tournaments confirmed the passing ability remains high-end. The tools that made him a projected first round pick before his 2023-24 knee injury are visible on every shift. He reads the play early, delivers  deceptive outlet passes, and runs a power play point with patience. The questions are the same ones  scouts flagged at his draft: the 5-10 frame limits his defensive impact against bigger forwards, and the  offensive numbers in a men’s league have not been dominant enough to offset the size concerns.  Minnesota took him in the fourth round (122nd overall) in 2024 knowing this was a long-term play. He  does not need to come to North America yet, and another Liiga season with HIFK in 2026-27 would be  the expected path. Fantasy managers should hold in dynasty leagues. If the offense clicks at the Liiga  level, the passing translates, and a 30-to-35 point NHL ceiling as a puck-moving second or third-pair  defender is plausible.  Andrew Epps

July 2025 – Kiviharju was able to stay healthy in 2024-25, which has been his limiting factor over the last few years. He managed 16 points in 52 games in the top Finnish league playing for HIFK. He has also represented Finland in international tournaments such as the 2025 World Juniors, where he put up three assists in seven games. Kiviharju was initially projected to be drafted in the top half of the first round in his draft year, but went way lower in the fourth round due to injuries in his draft year. Considering his performance since being drafted in 2023, it is fair to say that NHL scouts had picked up on something more than injury concerns, as Kivharju is not putting up the offence required to make up for his small stature so far. He projects as a fringe NHL defenseman at this stage, though a breakout offensive season in Finland in 2025-26 could change that projection quite a bit. Minnesota’s defensive depth is also solid, so he needs to outplay his competition to get a shot at the NHL in the coming years. Ioan Gheordanescu

July 2024 – Kiviharju was selected 122nd overall by the Minnesota Wild. Mark Henry

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 near 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)