Joona Koppanen

April 2023 – Koppanen had another successful season in Providence, accumulating 12 goals and 23 assists in 64 games. His biggest accomplishment was finally getting his call to the parent club, playing five games with the Bruins when they had some injury trouble. Koppanen has slowly been ascending the depth chart, finally getting rewarded with an opportunity in Boston after six seasons in Providence. He will now be a UFA this Summer, so the question is will he stay to battle for one of the open spots on the Bruins roster next season or sign with a team that already has an opportunity for him to be in the NHL on opening night? If put in the right situation, Koppanen can be a solid option next year in deeper fantasy leagues. Nate Duffett

February 2020 – Koppanen is up to nine goals and 17 points in 38 AHL games this season. Last year’s disappointing numbers look to be an afterthought at this point, as the young forward has taken a major step forward offensively in 2019-2020. His high shooting percentage has understandably regressed as the season has continued, however he has taken more shots on goal over the last few months and should break the double digit mark in both goals and assists before long. Koppanen appears to be growing his game as the season progresses, and while he might still be a few years away from NHL duty, his development is certainly a positive sign. Chris Mazza

December 2019 – After an extremely difficult first season in Providence, Koppanen has been impressive to start 2019-2020, earning 11 points in 18 AHL games. As a whole, Providence has had a much better season, with several players posting good offensive numbers. Koppanen is not a call-up candidate this year, however he is still a young player with room to grow. A portion of his game to keep a close eye on is his seemingly unsustainable shooting percentage of 21.4. He does not fire many pucks on net, and could be in line for some goal-scoring regression. Chris Mazza

April 2019 – In what has been an extremely disappointing first season of North American hockey, Koppanen has managed just two points, both goals, in 42 games with Providence. For reference, goalie Zane McIntyre has the same amount of points as this Finnish forward does. Koppanen has ideal size for a role-playing position on a pro hockey team, but it will take time to see if he can ever join a NHL squad. Chris Mazza

October 2018 – After growing up and playing exclusively in Europe, Koppanen is set to play his first full year in North America this season with the Providence Bruins. In a short stint with Providence at the end of last season (10 games), Koppanen managed to score twice in one game, which ended as his only points with the club. This will be an important season for the former fifth round pick, as it should allow the Bruins and fantasy owners alike to see whether there might be a successful future playing professional hockey in North America. Chris Mazza

September 2017 – Koppanen had a huge year for Ilves (U20) of the Jr. A SM-Liiga. While this is a development league, Koppanen still impressed with a team leading points-per-game at 1.42, totaling 54 points in just 38 games. Koppanen also impressed for team Finland this summer at the World Juniors Showcase. Koppanen has good size but he moves around really well. The Bruins, and fantasy owners alike, will want to see him playing against some better opposition before hopping on the hype train. This will be a big year for the young Finn. Mike Drover 

June 2016 – Standing 6-5, Joona Koppanen has a long reach, good mobility and strong defensive prowess for his age. Koppanen has decent hands and an average shot, though he never managed any points for Finland in the U18 World Juniors in 2016. Koppanen usually shies away from the slapshot and is not regarded as an exceptional offensive talent like some of the other high flying Fins to go in this year’s draft. Regardless, Koppanen possesses the size and hockey smarts to make a strong future role-playing forward or penalty killer. Koppanen will be several years away from being considered for the NHL. Michael Drover