Veeti Väisänen

September 2026 – Vaisanen completed a second WHL campaign with Medicine Hat posting 23 points in 47 games – functional production for a defenseman whose value is tied to two-way play and peripheral contributions rather than offensive output. His first pass out of the zone has improved, and he showed a growing willingness to activate at the point and carry the puck in transition. He now returns to Finland to join JYP in the Liiga, where the test against men will tell Utah considerably more about his realistic ceiling. He fits the defensive archetype the organization has targeted in recent drafts, though higher-profile names ahead of him on the depth chart mean there is no rush. A prolonged Liiga stint before returning to North America seems the most sensible path. A depth defender projection at best. Ryan Downey

July 2025 – After playing in the Liiga in the previous season, Vaisanen came to North America and suited up for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. He scored four goals and added 20 assists and 37 penalty minutes. Vaisanen won’t be called on for his offensive prowess, despite finding a budding playmaking game as the WHL season moved along. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on how his two-way game develops, and if he can be a depth option in multi-category leagues. Alex Wyatt

December 2024- Vaisanen will represent Finland at the 2025 World Junior Championship. He currently has one goal and nine points in 29 games with Medicine Hat. Keith Duggan

November 2024- Selected in the second round of the CHL Import Draft by Medicine Hat, Vaisanen brings his talents to the WHL for 2024-25. While offensively he’s been quite so far, four assists in 20 games, Vaisanen has been reliable for the Tigers. Keith Duggan

July 2024- Vaisanen has been drafted by the Utah Hockey Club in the third round, 96th overall. Keith Duggan

April 2024 – Väisänen has slipped a bit from our last rankings (48th), with the rising concern regarding his puck handling and decision making under pressure, though his strengths have remained evident. Väisänen relies on his hockey sense as he positions himself proactively to shut down the opponent. He has a great mobility that has allowed him to beat opponents in races to 50/50 pucks. He likes to engage physically and is effective at closing in on the boards, even against the pro competition. – Anni Karvinen 

April Rankings: 68th

February 2024 – Veeti Väisänen is a smooth-skating left-handed defenseman, who’s been logging regular Liiga minutes with KooKoo. He plays a reliable two-way game closing gaps effectively and positioning well. While he may not possess the flashiest tools, he utilizes them extremely effectively. Väisänen plays very mature hockey and rarely looks out of place when playing against professional competition. Despite not having the biggest frame (6’0″ & 163 lbs) he uses it quite well when closing in on the boards even against the Liiga competition. As the season has progressed, he’s seemed more comfortable playing in the Liiga and playing to his strengths. I look forward to seeing if he can elevate his game by becoming more active in the offensive zone on a regular basis. – Anni Karvinen

February Rankings: 48th