Otto Koivula

July 2020 – The 21-year-old was the only true young prospect among 17 forwards named to the Islanders’ 30-player post-season roster. Examining those excluded (young snipers Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom) and who was included (non-scoring enforcer Ross Johnston), it’s clear the team’s braintrust is committed to its hard-hitting, tight-checking identity. Koivula’s imposing size and ability to play in the middle likely gave him an edge. Mark Allan

July 2020 – Koivula is in Group Two at training camp with fellow centers Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas. Group One blanked Group Two 2-0 in the first scrimmage of training camp. Mark Allan

May 2020 – With nine goals and 22 points in 36 games with the Sound Tigers, the imposing 6-4, 219-pound Finn was on pace to roughly equal his promising AHL rookie numbers. Zero points and a mere four shots on goal in a dozen NHL outings indicate he needs more time on the farm, which is not unusual for power forwards. The Isles would be thrilled if their top center prospect develops into a dependable, physical NHL asset. It won’t happen overnight. Mark Allan

February 2020 – The hefty Finn got nine shifts and 5:35 of even-strength hockey, mostly at left wing on a fourth line with Matt Martin and Leo Komarov, in a 4-3 OT loss to the Rangers. Considering the acquisition of Jean-Gabriel Pageau as well as the presence of Matt Barzal and Derick Brassard, Koivula’s path at center is blocked. He wouldn’t even have played against the Rangers if Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck weren’t hurt. Koivula is pointless in 10 NHL outings, but has nine goals and 22 points in 36 AHL games, a hair under his points-per-game average for the 2018-19 Sound Tigers. Koivula has skill and size at 6-4 and 220 pounds, but it’s unclear if he will be able to improve his foot speed enough to stick in the NHL. The 21-year-old has one more season on his entry-level deal. Mark Allan

March 2019 – After a slow start to his season, Koivula has started to transition well into the North American game. With 40 points in 57 games, it is a possibility that we could see him taking a crack at the NYI roster sooner rather than later. He projects as a third-line scoring forward, something that the Islanders have missed this year. In a league that is moving towards higher goal totals, teams will need three solid scoring lines to keep up with their competitors. Koivula’s large frame and scoring touch will give the Islanders and your fantasy team some value if they choose to bring him up in the future.  Nate Duffett

January 2018 – Otto Koivula spent time on Finland’s third line through most of the World Junior Championships. He had a quiet tournament – netting just two assists and a minus-3 rating. The overall pace of the tournament and Finland’s weaker-than-usual forward skill made for tough sledding for the big Finn. The Isles fourth round pick in 2016 is having a fine year in Finland’s top league. He has 19 points in 33 games as Ilves struggles to get into playoff contention. The 6-4 winger has an unusually low amount of goals for his career and play style – just four on 85 shots. Michael Farkas