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After selecting power forward Evgeny Svechnikov in the first round, the Detroit Red Wings decided to add a blue liner to the system in the third round, selecting Vili Saarijarvi with the No. 73 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Saarijarvi was an interesting selection for the Wings for a multitude of reasons. He’s an offensive-minded, right-handed defenseman (which the organization is in dire need of), but his size is fairly concerning. Saarijarvi is listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, and he has a history of getting pushed off the puck. He makes up for his lack of size with quickness, smart play and sharp passing.
Saarijarvi projects as a long-term project at the position, but his offensive skill set leaves the organization optimistic about what the young Finnish defender can become in a few years. Some scouts have compared Saarijarvi to Dallas Stars defenseman Julius Honka. The most recent defenseman that I would compare him to within the organization is former player Ian White. Both players are a bit undersized but are quick in their own zone and use a heavy shot from the blue line.
The fact that Saarijarvi played forward until four years ago gives me reason to believe that he is still learning the nuances of the position and will eventually sharpen his technical skills in his own zone. His history as a forward serves him well, as he has a natural scoring instinct that some defensemen just never develop.
Saarijarvi recorded six goals and 17 assists in 57 games for the Green Bay Gamblers of USHL.
The Red Wings don’t have many right-handed defensemen in their system, so the fact that they addressed this early on in the draft is a net positive. While Saarijarvi’s size is concerning, I fully expect the organization to give him another season or two in juniors before spending some time in the AHL. If he can add some upper body strength to his frame and prove he won’t be a liability in his own zone, Saarijarvi has the potential to be a scoring threat from the blue line for years to come.
Josh VanDyke covers the Detroit Red Wings for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter.
