Boston Bruins: Vaakanainen With a Golden Opportunity
Over the last few years, Urho Vaakanainen has become a familiar name for Boston Bruins fans. The Finnish native has been one of the Bruins' top prospects and has appeared in seven games for the Bruins over the past two years. While Vaakanainen has been unable to secure a permanent role, he will have a golden opportunity in 2020-21. With Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug's departures in free agency, Boston will need Vaakanainen to step up.
While the NHL has been on pause, Vaakanainen has made the best of an extended offseason. The 2017 first-round pick appeared in two games for SaiPa of the Finnish Liiga. In Vaakanainen's brief stint, he scored one goal and spent two minutes in the penalty box. It was a welcoming sign for the Bruins prospect as he looks to improve his offense at the NHL level.
Additionally, in 54 games for Providence last season, the Finnish native tallied five goals and 14 assists. While those are solid numbers, Vaakanainen scored 14 points in 30 games the year prior.
Despite his struggles offensively, Vaakanainen showed progress in other areas of his game.
Vaakanainen's two-way game improved as the 2019-20 season progressed. Although the majority of his minutes came in the defensive zone, he also saw some time on the power play. His improved play drew the praise of Providence head coach Jay Leach who said Jakub Zboril and Vaakanainen, "Were our best guys down the stretch until the season was canceled on us."
While Vaakanainen still has a lot to prove, he has been a staple in recent training camps and has usually seen time against other top prospects. He has shown an ability to limit his mistakes, which will be key this upcoming season. Throughout his time in Providence and brief stops in the NHL, Vaakanainen's strengths have been his dependability and upside.
As Vaakananien looks to secure a spot, he will have to build on his strong finish in Providence. Health could prove to be a factor as he has battled concussions the past two years. He will also have competition in fellow prospects Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub Zboril. For Vaakanainen, however, it is the perfect opportunity as a new era begins on the Bruins blueline.
With the start of the season less than two weeks away, how Vaakanainen performs in training camp may define his season. After years of patiently waiting for his chance, 2021 could be the year that Vaakanainen finally fulfills his potential.