As we creep ever closer to the start of the season, more and more questions drift into our heads. At this time of the year, the burning question for most teams fan base is what will the roster look like on opening day? For the Edmonton Oilers, there are several spots up for grabs as we know. One player vying for the chance to grace the forward ranks is none other than Jesse Joensuu. Signed to a one way, two year deal worth 950K, there's a good chance we see the massive winger in Edmonton come October 1st. The Pori, Finland native stands at 6'4 and 209 pounds and is capable of playing both the left and right side, making him a likely addition to the third or fourth line. Joensuu began playing against men in the SM-Liiga, Finlands' top league, when he was 16 years old. In 2006, the New York Islanders selected him 60th overall and since then he has seen stops in the AHL, SEL, NHL and SM-Liiga. At the age of 25, Jesse is young enough to fit with the youthful core in Edmonton, and he's already experienced 67 regular season games with the Islanders in which he collected 8 goals and 7 assists to go along with 47 penalty minutes.
The Past Year-
The Past Year-
This past year, Joensuu started with his hometown club Assat-Pori of the SM-Liiga due to the lockout. Jesse contributed at over a point per game rate, notching 25 points (11 of which were goals) in 24 games played, as well as registering with a solid 83 penalty minutes and plus 9 rating. He played 18:32 minutes a game in Finland and contributed in all situations, with two of his goals coming on the power play, and one short handed. Once the lockout ended, Joensuu suffered from a sports hernia and missed most of the abbreviated NHL season, catching only 7 games in the regular season. The big Fin only scored 2 assists but used his size well in his 7 game stint, clocking 12 hits. He also managed to get into one playoff game with the Isles but went pointless.
Scouting Report-
From what I've seen and heard about Joensuu, he is solid on his skates and not afraid to throw the body around on the forecheck. He has greatly improved his shot since his draft day, and now can be credited with having a quick release. His skating is a little sluggish and his stride a little awkward, but he finds a way to play a responsible two-way game and get to the front of the net. Joensuu could end up being a useful net front presence on the power play. The big issue with him is inconsistency.
Expectations-
Best Case Scenario- Joensuu comes in and runs away with a spot on the third line. I would be thrilled if he scored 15 goals and 30-40 points while proving that he can play with and complement skilled players. If he can do all of this while being a physical, two-way presence, that's the dream. Joensuu has the opportunity to be a bigger and better version of Teemu Hartikainen for the Oilers. If all of this happens, Joensuu is a steal of a power forward at 950K for the next two years.
Scouting Report-
From what I've seen and heard about Joensuu, he is solid on his skates and not afraid to throw the body around on the forecheck. He has greatly improved his shot since his draft day, and now can be credited with having a quick release. His skating is a little sluggish and his stride a little awkward, but he finds a way to play a responsible two-way game and get to the front of the net. Joensuu could end up being a useful net front presence on the power play. The big issue with him is inconsistency.
Expectations-
Best Case Scenario- Joensuu comes in and runs away with a spot on the third line. I would be thrilled if he scored 15 goals and 30-40 points while proving that he can play with and complement skilled players. If he can do all of this while being a physical, two-way presence, that's the dream. Joensuu has the opportunity to be a bigger and better version of Teemu Hartikainen for the Oilers. If all of this happens, Joensuu is a steal of a power forward at 950K for the next two years.
Worst Case Scenario- Joensuu struggles to earn ice time and ends up on the fourth line and in the press box for a month or two before being placed on waivers. He lets inconsistency get the best of him and is invisible most nights, not playing physical and being a defensive liability. Either another team picks him up on waivers or he spends the next two seasons as a good veteran scorer for Oklahoma City.
Middle Ground- Joensuu plays well on the penalty kill and plays a solid physical game while rotating between the third and fourth lines. Maybe he pops in 20-30 points if things work out and he adds depth to an Edmonton squad desperate for it. If he can play some hard minutes and insulate the youth in oil country, then his contract is a win for Craig MacTavish.
All in all, this contract is a very good example of low risk and high reward. It was really a no brainer for MacTavish to make the deal because even if it doesn't work out, the 950K cap hit isn't going to hurt anything. Jesse Joensuu could end up being a very useful player for coach Dallas Eakins, and maybe, just maybe, he turns into the mystical power forward that is so elusive to capture. HAH, we didn't want you anyways, Teemu.
That's all for now, until next time! -Johannes
You can find me on Twitter @JohannesHockey