When he was drafted in June, not many folks knew who Joona Saarelainen was. The 18-year-old was taken in the 5th round by the Lightning after starting his professional career with KaPa in the Liiga last season. That may change soon if the speedy center keeps playing the way he has to start things off in the World Junior Summer Showcase taking place in Plymouth, Michigan right now.
Through two games (both against the U.S.) he has 2 goals and 1 assist.
Joona Saarelainen puts home the rebound to open the scoring for Finland! ⚡️
–@leijonat#GoBolts pic.twitter.com/9jEOHqwvUt— Future Bolts (@LightningProsp1) July 28, 2024
The 5’9″ center has found himself starting on the wing during the two contests, but if he keeps playing the way he has so far (he also had a couple of assists in international games against Czechia and Switzerland earlier in the month) not only will he find himself on the roster for the U20 World Championship in December, he could be one of their top players.
The Lightning are probably going to let him develop in Finland with KalPa next season, but he could be a diamond in the rough for the scouting staff. As you can imagine, some teams were dissuaded by his lack of size, but by all reports Saarelainen is tough on the puck and dedicated to playing a two-way game.
We’ll see how he continues to progress, and going up against veterans in the Liiga will be a good test to see if he can fare well against bigger competition. If he continues to produce, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him jump over to North America in the 2026-27 (which is closer than it sounds). That could line up nicely with the Lightning having opportunities for younger players to make the team.
