Eemeli Räsänen

May 2021 – Continuing to collect new leagues’ jerseys like Pokemon cards, Rasanen spent 2020-21 with HPK in Liiga. He managed 0 points in 26 games played, less than 1 SOG/game, while playing less than 12 minutes per game on average on a weak squad. His development has completely stagnated and he should not be considered a notable prospect despite his second-round draft pick pedigree. Hayden Soboleski

March 2020 – After a journeyman couple of seasons, Rasanen has signed a deal in Liiga for 2020-21. His time in the KHL (round two) was uneventful, as he was often a healthy scratch or saw no ice time. He once again transferred over to the second-tier Finnish league, where he once again had minimal impact, playing under 18 minutes TOI on average while managing a middle-of-the-road 51 corsi-for %. Staying on one team for 2020-21 will be a big step for the 21-year-old and will hopefully lead to bigger minutes where we can evaluate him more completely. For now, the huge rearguard remains a longshot that shouldn’t be owned in fantasy. Hayden Soboleski

March 2019 – Rasanen has terminated his contract in the KHL and appears to be joining the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. His impact this season has been lackluster with minimal usage, and his need to improve his skating has become clearer and clearer. Expect lots of AHL time as he develops his skills before making any true push for an NHL position. Hayden Soboleski

November 2018 – Rasanen has been out of action since September with an undisclosed injury. He had accumulated just a single point in 6 contests prior. He may still be a WJC option for Team Finland if he recovers soon and they want a physical presence, but this has not been a positive year so far for the youngster. Hayden Soboleski

September 2018 – Three games into the KHL season, Rasanen has yet to see the ice. His decision to move to the KHL is looking questionable, its hard to improve your game from the bench. His fantasy stock wasn’t high to begin with, but its dropping.  Hayden Soboleski

June 2018 – Rasanen will play with Jokerit of the KHL next year rather than returning for his overage year in junior hockey. The big 6-7 defenseman is progressing and a stint in the KHL should help Rasanen improve on his production over what he accomplished in his 2nd year with the Frontenac where in 61 games he had five goals to go along with 28 assist. This was a small setback from his draft year. Rasanen is a big solid skating and playmaking defenseman that will likely be in the leafs plans following a bit of development time in the KHL. Brian Harling

March 2018 – Rasanen was returned to the Kingston Frontenacs after being drafted in the second round by the Leafs last June. This season, Rasanen has not progressed much over what he did in his draft year. He will get a chance in next year’s training camp to show the Leafs’ management that his work over the summer has brought new found ability, but it is likely he heads back to the OHL for a third campaign. Rasanen brings some solid size at 6 foot 7 inches and 226 pounds so leafs will be patient in developing his game. Brian Harling

July 2017 – In his rookie year in the OHL, the big Finnish defender made a quick impression with his imposing size. It has been difficult to assess his skating ability for me because he never really looks like he has to try hard to get far, he has such a long stride and reach he covers so much ice with very little effort. His hockey sense and positioning are also assets in his game as he is always in a good position. Because of his size, he is able to play a punishing physical game and deliver some crushing checks, albeit they are rare and he would be more effective if he were more aggressive.

Rasanen showed signs of developing an offensive side to his game as well as the season wore on and he adjusted to the North American rink and game. Rasanen played first unit power play for the Frontenacs and was able to create transition offence from the defensive zone via outlet passing or skating the puck through the neutral zone or joining the rush. Offensively his best asset is his heavy shot, he can blast bombs from the point, but also recognizes when it is better to simply put the puck on net quickly while he has some offensive upside his likely projection in the NHL is as a defensive defenseman.   Peter Harling