Washington Capitals: 5 College Hockey Players They Should Sign
Ahti Oksanen
Oksanen reminds me so much of Brent Burns for one reason: Oskanen doesn’t have a true position. I’ve seen the Finnish skater as both a forward and a defenseman. I’d say he’s a better forward than a defenseman, but he’s quite capable on the blue line.
As a defenseman in 2013-2014, Oksanen had 24 points in 35 games. This season, Oksanen leads his Boston University Terriers in goals with 22 and has 33 points in 33 games. He has a great slap shot and an above average wrist shot. He’s very aggressive with the puck. Here’s what Hockeys Future has to say about him:
"Oksanen is versatile in that he can play both forward and defense almost equally well. His style has often been described as that of a rover. Oksanen possesses good size (6’3”, 209 lbs.) and utilizes his strong frame at both ends of the ice. This has been especially evident in his drives to the net and in his ability to protect the puck. He is a strong yet fluid skater with very good foot speed. One of Oksanen’s attributes that scouts have taken particular notice of is his shot; he possesses a hard, lethal shot and can get pucks to the net. Oksanen also possesses an excellent stick. While Oksanen plays with a good amount of grit, he also plays with remarkable discipline."
The Washington Capitals should sign him and probably use him as a forward (he’s a natural left wing but with some time in Hershey, he could be a right wing as well). Though the Washington Capitals could very easily use him as a blue liner too. At worst, the Washington Capitals could use a player from Finland.
Next: A Teammate Of A Prospect