Player Information:
Name: Veeti Miettinen
Position: Right Wing
League: Jr. A SM-Liiga (Finland U20)
Team: Kiekko-Espoo
Shoots: Left
Age/DOB: 18-years-old, September 20th, 2001
Birthplace: Espoo, Finland
Height: 5’9
Weight: 159 lbs
NCAA Commitment: St. Cloud State University (2020-2021 Season)
Potential Draft Round: First-Round
NHL Potential: Top-Six Forward
Playing Style: Goal-Scorer
NHL Comparable: Alexander Ovechkin (smaller version, shoots the same way)
Statistics:
Player Notes:
Miettinen has been one of the best players in the Jr. A SM-Liiga for the past two seasons. During the 2018-2019 season, the Finnish forward finished third in points league-wide and improved upon his success this season as the league’s highest scorer. His 42 goals this season were unparalleled and as a result, he finished the season with the highest point total by a considerable margin.
In fact, not only were his 42 goals the highest in the league this season, but they were the highest single-season goal total in the league’s history. In addition, Miettinen broke the league’s all-time goal record with 80. The league’s previous career high was 70.
Despite his historic levels of success in Finland’s U20 ranks, Veittenen was never even called up to the Liiga. Miettinen is doing what is best for his development and has decided to leave Finland to play hockey in North America. He will be joining St. Could State in the NCAA next season as he begins to adjust to the North American game in hopes of making it to the NHL.
Scouting Notes:
Miettinen loves to shoot the puck. Veeti possesses a tremendous shot that tore up the U20 circuits in Finland. He gets the puck off of his stick so fast with such power, the goaltenders oftentimes do not have time to react.
His shot is also extremely accurate allowing him to score from sharp angles and from far distances, even when opposing goaltenders seem to have their net covered perfectly. The Finnish sniper is also strong on the penalty-kill and is no stranger to shorthanded chances. He found himself hurrying multiple shorthanded chances this year, using both his great shot and speed.
With the puck on his stick, Meittenen moves very quickly and gets the puck off of his stick quickly. He has good hands, but does not try to score flashy goals which are similar to Alexander Ovechkin. Miettinen is also known around the league for his outstanding character. His character on and off the ice was recognized in the Jr. A SM Liiga as he was named as the league’s Gentleman of the Year.