Bruins select Urho Vakkanainen, D, Finland

Luis Taint

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Apr 7, 2012
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My favorite SOSH moment ever was this boards reaction to Malcolm Subban being drafted.
 

RoDaddy

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Anudda defenseman! Oh well, at least he's taller than Sweeney standing on stage. And a ceiling of top 4 D
 

TheRealness

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The Dirty Shire
He was a top 15 potential pick coming into the season, but dropped as the year wore on due to lack of offensive production. However, while he's graded as one of the best defensive players overall, from the scouting reports I've read he skates well, especially backwards, and has good vision and solid passing skills. Sounds like he's got a decent wrist shot, but overall his shot right now is inaccurate and average, which one scout blamed for his average offensive play. Reminds me a little of the Frederic pick, which Sweeney seems to have nailed.

While I don't think he's a PP specialist by any means, he looks like a solid two way player and solid overall pick.
 

burstnbloom

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A year ago, this pick would have made me angry but they've earned the right to reach over the last couple drafts.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Carlo would not have been my thought as a comp. Here's Scott Bradley on Vaakanainen:

We’re excited about him. His skating is close to a five in our system. He’s got a nice shot. Compare his skating to [Paul] Coffey at times, a really mobile, transitional defenseman. He’s been playing pro for two years, so he’s got some good mileage under him when it comes to seasoning.
He sounds like an exceptional skater who may lack the other attributes that would have made him an elite prospect.
 

FelixMantilla

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Not sure where to put this, but Kirk describes 6th round pick Cedric Pare as looking like, "a blend of Patrice Bergeron and Ryan Spooner in terms of his looks."