97 Sebastian Aho (W, FIN)
Offensive zone ability: B
Offensive transition ability: B
Puck movement and possession retention: C+
Defensive transition ability: B
Defensive zone ability: C
Defense: mixed
Offense: mixed
Keywords, unique identity traits: a slightly undersized winger with both skill and a very nice motor, plays bigger than size, good vision
Room for improvement: needs to fill out to have a chance at playing his style of game at the NHL level
Full analysis:
Sebastian Aho is a slightly undersized winger that is both quite skilled with the puck as well as a puck-hound type forward off-the-puck. Although it is questionable whether his size will ever fill out for him to be that at the NHL level, or whether his skill level is high enough, it is still nonetheless fair to say that Aho has several alluring tools at his disposal. And by far for me the asset that I like best, is his jump or motor as we would say in combination with his ability to keep his head up and make plays. Always active regardless of situation. Lateral agility, acceleration are both there, top speed is decent but not high-end, has a shorter stride.
In the offensive zone Aho plays quite at a high pace. Not much second-guessing, processes the play fast, jumps on loose pucks, will sacrifice body up the wall or in front of the net. You wouldn't ever think that he's a bit undersized because he plays much bigger. Has very nice vision with the puck and ability to make plays. Skill level in puck-handling is decent but not a magician. Needs to fill out so that he can make a couple of more plays with his back against the checker. Quite reliant on his motor right now and might be less useful in more slower grinding settings. Through transition he is mindful of supporting the puck and his defensemen. As a winger he has a nice balance between supporting his team in his own zone through transition and picking up speed to be a factor off-the-rush. Nice acceleration and lateral agility allow him to gain entry and has the vision to make you pay if the open space is there. Nice passing ability as well, 2 on 1s can be dangerous with him, has the drive and a nice saucer pass as well. In defensive transition, Aho despite his thinner frame actually looks like he has a pretty decent reach. I like his jump, his aggressiveness on the puck, his positional sense in steering the play, his willingness to engage, and his active stick. He is listed at 5'11 (on EP) so despite a thinner frame I suppose that it's not that surprising that he looks to have a pretty decent reach and stick ability off-the-puck. Like him on forecheck but will backcheck as well. In his own zone, Aho is a bit limited due to his thinner frame. Still, he has decent positional sense, active stick. And plays with jump to his game. Not worried about him being a passive observer as he likes to get involved even if the physical tools aren't there for him to be a big defensive factor.
Overall, I view Aho as a slightly undersized winger that has both the skill level and the motor to be a factor. Good hockey IQ. The concern is that he might not quite be a top 6 quality player once you take into account his lack of size. But I do see him having the toolset to be a 3rd line buzzsaw with some skill if he filled out. I think 2nd line might be a longshot chance. Also think he shows the toolset for both PK or PP ability.
Development focus: I'd say for Aho the main thing would really be filling out. Once he does that, he should be able to extend zone time a bit better down-low with his back against the checker. Adding a bit of size will really aid him overall as he likes to be quite engaged and aggressive within the game.
Projection: I'd project Aho as having the potential to be a 3rd line buzzsaw with some skill that has both PP as well as PK qualities. 2nd line wouldn't be out of question if his development went particularly well. Needs to fill out for either role.