NIKO HUUHTANEN

2025-08-15

Scout: Patrick Ploch

Skating:

Huuhtanen has average skating. He is able to keep up with the play and in some cases go end to end.

Passing/Handling:

Huuhtanen has average passing and handling but he occasionally shows flashes of a little more. Most of his passes are simple and somewhat effective but he can get passes to teammates in high danger areas. He can sometimes handle through crowds and contact but also has a tendency to try to do too much.

Shooting:

Niko has a heavy shot that he will often shoot from near the point or around the face-off dots. However, he could benefit from being more selective with his shots.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Huuhtanen shows some instances of good vision and anticipation. There are times when he can use more patience but others when he could use more urgency.

Forechecking:

Huuhtanen is involved in the forecheck via checks, poke checks and board battles.

Defense:

Niko plays his part on defense. He skates back hard, uses his body or battles for the puck with his stick.

Best Asset:

The heavy shot

Biggest Concern:

The overall skating may hold him back when he gets to the NHL.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Middle sixer on the PP with 50-60 points.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Huuhtanen plays a physical game with a good amount of skill that will make him a good asset.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Bottom sixer limited to PP2 and 40-45 points.

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Huuhtanen has some good assets but a lack of higher pace, better defense and lower end skill could limit his role.

Stylistic Comparable:

Somewhat comparable to Pat Maroon

Games Scouted:

Syracuse Crunch v Belleville Senators 10/12/24, v Bridgeport Islanders 1/24/25, v Utica Comets 3/7/25