Anttoni Honka

January 2024 – After spending time with the Carolina Hurricanes in training camp, Honka was originally assigned to the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL, where some reports came out that he wasn’t going to report. Honka was then assigned to his hometown club of JYP in the Finnish Liiga where he has played pretty solidly since returning back. He currently has 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 29 games. Honka’s offensive ability has continued to be great, he currently quarterbacks a power play for JYP, but his defensive game is still a little shaky. His loan with JYP ends after the year and the Hurricanes should have their AHL situation figured out by then. Honka is still a few years away from legitimate NHL action but has potential to lead a power play when he eventually does make the jump. Nick Bass

May 2023 – A successful first full year in the AHL for Honka. His 34 points were good for second on the Chicago Wolves in scoring for a defenseman. Head Coach Brock Sheahan trusted Honka enough to play on both the power play and the penalty kill which shows his impressive development in his AHL rookie year. The undersized defenseman showed that his slight smaller frame should not hold him back at all as he will try to push for an NHL spot in training camp for the Carolina Hurricanes. Nick Bass

September 2021 – Honka was one of the pleasant surprises last year for JYP, on a bad team he produced at an impressive pace. It’s early, but this season he’s produced three assists in five games and playing around 17 minutes a night. He looks to be continuing his impressive offensive play from last year and should be a regular contributor for JYP this year. Austin Broad 

February 2021 – JYP has been struggling as of late in Liiga but the Canes prospect has been on a bit of a roll. He has picked up assists in eight of his last 10 games, totaling 10 assists. Honka has tied a career-high with 19 points and set a career mark with 17 assists in his 37 games played this season. He is also one goal away from tying his 2019-2020 career mark of three. It has been an impressive run for the 2019 89^th overall pick, who looks well on his way to becoming an NHL defenceman. Austin Broad 

February 2020 – The question about Honka will always be about his commitment in the defensive zone but his skill pushing forward up the ice will never be in question. He has great skill and puts up numbers and was a good upside pick in the third round for the Hurricanes. He represented Finland in the 2020 World Junior Championship and has tallied 17 points in 37 games for JYP in Liiga. If Honka can continue to improve his skill and effort in the defensive zone, this selection could work out to be a steal for the Canes. Jack LeGwin

June 2019 – Honka has been drafted 83^rd overall by the Hurricanes.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2019 – Honka was officially measured at 5-foot-10.5 and 178 pounds at the NHL Draft Combine.  Jokke Nevalainen

November 2018 – The younger Honka got a lot of praise after putting up big numbers in the Liiga last season. He had a good start to this season as well but he struggled as the season went on which is why he was sent down to Mestis which is a second-tier pro league in Finland. Honka has great offensive tools which give him huge upside but there are a lot of concerns about his defensive game. Honka is a great skater who can make quick turns at high speed. His puck-skills are elite. He makes great reads and is always looking for offense. But defensively, there’s a ton of work to be done, and he hasn’t really shown any progress in that area. Honka is also one of the older players for his draft class which is another cause for concern. His small size (5-10, 170) also doesn’t help matters. He has a chance to play at the World Juniors but his spot isn’t guaranteed by any means.  Jokke Nevalainen