Each day over the next month leading up to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 22 in Dallas, we will be taking a look at the top 31 prospects available, starting with the 31st and leading up to number one.
Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 24th-ranked prospect, center Rasmus Kupari.
Rasmus Kupari
2017–18 Team: Karpat (Finland)
Date of Birth: March 15, 2000
Place of Birth: Kotka, Finland
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: C
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 11 (European Skaters)
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 6 (European Skaters)
NHL Comparable: Sebastian Aho
Rasmus Kupari is a highly touted Finnish center who has the raw skill to develop into a star in the NHL. However, questions surround him since he is very raw physically and did not see much playing time this year.
Offense is Kupari’s game. He thrives with the puck on his stick because of his high-end stickhandling ability. He has outstanding vision, which paired with his good hands, allows him to be an elite passer. Kupari has great play recognition and anticipation, which he quickly turns into offensive opportunities for himself and teammates. He knows where his teammates will be and often gets the puck to them at the perfect time.
Additionally, Kupari is an excellent skater. He has top-end speed and acceleration. He is able to change speed quickly, which causes problems for opponents trying to defend him. He has the speed and agility to burn around defenders while also being able to stop on a dime or cut across the ice. However, since he is not fully developed physically, he does not have the strongest legs, and therefore does not have the greatest balance.
This lack of physical development also hurts him in terms of net front battles, both offensively and defensively. He needs to bulk up to win more board battles and loose pucks as well. Added strength could also aid in winning faceoffs, which he is fine at now, but not great. Bulking up his upper body will greatly improve his shot as well, which is arguably his only offensive deficiency because of a lack of power.
Defensively, he needs to continue improving his positioning and being able to defend the front of the net. He has made good strides in regard to his defensive positioning, but still needs some work. He back checks well thanks to his elite skating. Again, added strength will work wonders for his ability to defend the front of the net and win loose pucks and board battles.
Overall, Kupari is a nice prospect with a lot of upside, but will require some patience in order for him to achieve his potential.
Implications for the Blackhawks
Kupari would be a reach at the 8th pick and it is unlikely Kupari is available when the Blackhawks pick at 27th. However, if Kupari is still on the board at 27, the Hawks would be very smart to snag him. He has too much upside to pass up at that point in the draft. It would take a few years for him to get into the lineup, but if he develops properly, he would pay huge dividends, either as a really good third line center or potentially as an option on the wing for the top two lines.
Timeline
Kupari spent much of this season playing for the Karpat men’s team, which greatly helped him begin to round out his game. However, he still needs to bulk up and improve defensively, which will probably take a couple of years. Do not expect to see Kupari in the NHL until at least 2020–21.
Projection
Kupari is an intriguing player. He has the raw offensive ability to be a star, but he will need to gain enough strength to take physical punishment in the NHL. He has the tools needed to be in the top six, likely as a center, but potentially as a winger if he is not able to develop his defensive game enough.
What others are saying
“Slick, dual-threat center with size who took to his role as a depth player on a contender in Finland’s elite league. The Finns have become quite popular in terms of the recent NHL drafts, and Kupari arguably is the best they have to offer in 2018.”
— Steve Kournianos/Sporting News
“Kupari is a highly skilled, playmaking center. He is undersized, but is a strong skater with a high hockey IQ and hockey sense that makes him a dangerous offensive player and a reliable defensive player. Kupari started his draft year with a solid showing for Finland at the Ivan Hlinka scoring two goals and seven points in four games. He started the season playing at the pro level in Liiga despite being drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at the CHL Import Draft, but after struggling somewhat with 12 points in 35 games was subsequently loaned to Hermes in the Mestis. Don’t be discouraged by this apparent set back as an undersized 17-year-old, undersized player it simply means Kupari needs more development time before he is pro ready. Kupari was also included on the Finnish World Junior team as an underage player, but was held pointless despite displaying his high skill set. Kupari has a high ceiling, and drawing comparisons to countryman Sebastian Aho gives you an indication of his upside, but he is a long term investment.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects