New York Islanders prospect Jesse Pulkkinen, whom the Islanders drafted in the second round (No. 54) of the 2024 NHL Draft, didn’t know if he would be staying in Finland for the 2024-25 campaign or coming over to join Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.
A few days ago, the Islanders updated their website in preparation for training camp. The 19-year-old defenseman is the only 2024 draftee listed on the roster.
Related: Islanders Update Team Roster Ahead Of Training Camp
But, his potential appearance on the Northwell Ice Center ice in a few weeks is in jeopardy as Pulkkinen has suffered a lower-body injury that will “keep him out for weeks rather than days,” per Heikki Löfman of Keskisuomalainen:
Ryminällä JYPin liigajoukkueeseen ja Nuoriin Leijoniin viime kaudella noussut puolustaja Jesse Pulkkinen, 19, on loukkaantunut.https://t.co/JVbwF5taaD
— Keskisuomalainen (@ksmlfi) August 20, 2024
Pulkkinen scored 11 goals with 17 assists for 28 points in 18 games with JYP’s U20 team and two goals with six assists for eight points in 29 games with JYP’s professional team (Liiga).
In seven playoff games with JYP U20, Pulkkinen scored 10 points (four goals, six assists).
Pulkinnen is known for his stature, strong skating, and offensive creativity.
Standing at 6’ 6” and 220 pounds, Pulkkinen uses his size to push opposing skaters off the puck and create space for his team.
Though Pulkkinen is exceptionally tall, he is a mobile skater with the puck on his stick.
Pulkkinen can dangle and weave through other players before unleashing a powerful shot or threading a pass through on the rush.
He shared that he models his game after Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman.
While no official rookie camp or training camp date has been released, prospects are expected to hit the ice in early September, with the NHL pros joining them shortly after.
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