In an unexpected twist, Finnish forward Ville Koivunen, who was highly regarded by Toronto during the 2021 NHL Draft, has now joined the Pittsburgh Penguins after being acquired by Kyle Dubas. Despite being chosen by Carolina in the second round, Koivunen now has the opportunity to establish himself with a new team.
Pittsburgh’s President of Hockey Operations and GM, Kyle Dubas, went to great lengths to secure Koivunen as part of the return for Jake Guentzel, emphasizing how highly they had targeted the talented forward. The Penguins management eagerly anticipates the potential that the 21-year-old Koivunen brings to the team.
Assistant GM Jason Spezza highlighted Koivunen’s exceptional hockey sense as his greatest strength, expressing his admiration for the way Koivunen manipulates defenders with his subtle movements. Spezza also praised Koivunen’s prowess on the power play, describing him as a dangerous threat when coming downhill.
During his first day at the development camp, Koivunen received compliments for his ability to think the game at a high level. Spezza emphasized the need for Koivunen to elevate the pace of his skating and develop his strength, crucial aspects for adjusting to the faster pace of the American League and the NHL.
Koivunen’s remarkable progress in adapting to the North American style of play was evident during his brief stint with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton following an exceptional season with Karpat of Liiga. His performance in the Liiga was remarkable, finishing second in goals and points, and leading in assists. This was a significant improvement from his previous season’s statistics, showcasing his development and growth as a player.
In his own words, Koivunen described himself as a skilled player in the offensive zone, emphasizing his ability to make plays for both himself and his teammates. He attributed his success to his skating and strength, acknowledging the support of his linemates and the effectiveness of their power play.
As Koivunen transitions to a new phase in his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is evident that his remarkable hockey sense and offensive prowess will be valuable assets to the team. With the guidance and support of the Penguins’ management, Koivunen is poised to make a significant impact on the ice, continuing to impress with his outstanding skills.