Volcanologist
Well-known member
Many have threatened to leave this board, few have actually done so.
A report has surfaced that Leafs GM Brian Burke has abruptly canceled a charity event in order to travel to Europe on hockey-related business. While it remains unclear who exactly the Burke might be targeting, one player that is certain to be the subject of speculation in the coming days is 24 year old RW Juhamatti Aaltonen.
Drafted 284th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Aaltonen has yet to get his chance in the NHL, instead developing his skills over the past 5 seasons in the SM-liiga (the top Finnish hockey league).
In 2009-2010, Aaltonen had a break-out season, scoring 28 goals and adding 21 assists playing for the Lahden Pelicans. Aaltonen was then selected to represent Finland in the 2010 IIHF World Championship, scoring 1 goal and 2 assists in 7 games, while posting a +/- of +3. With his new-found scoring touch, above-average speed, and 6″/196lbs frame, Aaltonen just may have what it takes to make it in the National Hockey League. His chance may in fact come sooner rather than later, as one would have to assume that he is at least on the radar of a few NHL clubs, especially a team like the Leafs, who are clearly in search of forwards who can put the puck in the back of the net.
While only time will tell if Aaltonen is in fact being targeted by Brian Burke, it would certainly not be out of left field for Burke to pursue a player like Juhamatti (great name, eh?). Since taking the reigns in Toronto, some of Burke’s finest acquisitions have resulted from identifying young talent outside the draft (Bozak, Gustavsson, Rynnas, Mueller, to name a few). Adding another “project player” to the mix could certainly do no harm, as all that it would cost Toronto is cash, something that the Leafs clearly are not lacking (to say the least).
Stay tuned!
Leafshub.com
so what your saying is I'm not invited :sad(20):I love how you met Irish in real life as well. Jonas and I plan on attending a Jays game in a week or so.
So how exactly can we be all one person?
Interesting.could that euro people are talking about be this guy??
Teeds,
you have to come back...I don't have enough teeds quotes for a book yet.
No one needs a wop around who tells the truth.
Interesting.
Aaltonen had a breakout season in the FNL last season, and he's called "Finnish Ovechkin" by some....
so what your saying is I'm not invited :sad(20):
Colby Armstrong will wear #9, for the Leafs this year.