Matias Mäntykivi

April 2023 – Mäntykivi had a subpar offensive output this regular season with Ilves in Liiga, registering 12 goals and 22 assists in 60 games, just a two-point improvement in nine more games. His breakout occurred in the playoffs, contributing three goals and nine assists in 12 games so far, good enough for second in playoff scoring for the entire league. This breakout in the playoffs may have helped his chances of landing an entry-level contract this Summer, but it is important to note that he is under contract with Ilves until Spring 2024. As is the case for many of the Bruins prospects, there will be tons of opportunity at the pro level with the team’s core aging out, so it could be worth it for Mäntykivi to cash in on his playoff success and try to land his entry-level contract in North America. Nate Duffett

January 2021 – Mäntykivi registered one point in five games for Team Finland at this year’s World Juniors. He saw limited ice time in the tournament but did manage to secure his lone assist in the Bronze medal game, which his team would go on to win. He will return to SaiPa in the Liiga, where he has managed four points through 17 games in a minimal 13:49 of average ice time. Increased production would be a welcome sight for the 2019 sixth-round pick, however, he is still gaining valuable pro experience this season and has yet to turn 20 years old. There is still a high ceiling for this skilled forward. Chris Mazza

August 2020 – Mantykivi posted unexceptional numbers in 2019-2020, managing three goals and three assists through 42 games in the Liiga. His time in Finland’s top league gave him valuable experience against good competition, however his low production could be due in part to a limited role (under 12:00 of ice time per game). When on loan in Finland’s second-tier league, he posted an impressive seven assists in eight games with increased playing time. If he can earn more playing time with SaiPa this season, Mantykivi could turn some heads with a modest breakout. Chris Mazza

June 2019 – Mäntykivi has been drafted 185^th overall by the Bruins.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2019 – Mäntykivi was SaiPa’s U20 team’s top forward this season, putting up 36 points in 34 regular season games. He was loaned to Mestis team Ketterä in January and played in a decent role with the team that eventually won the championship. Mäntykivi is a skilled playmaker who played center at the U20 level and on the wing in Mestis. He has very good hands and is able to dangle in tight spaces. Mäntykivi has very good vision and he is able to utilize his passing skills and stick-handling to create offense for himself and his linemates. He is also dangerous as a passer on the power play. His stride is pretty heavy and he doesn’t have very good speed. If he can work on his skating, he could be a player because Mäntykivi certainly has some upside.  Lassi Alanen