Born: 2003-05-26
Team: JYP
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 170
REPORT: JYP @ SAIPA U20, MARCH 25, 2021
Malinen was by far the best defenseman on either team in this playoff game. He contributed to a number of zone exits and zone entries, he could kickstart the breakout with a firm first pass, or carry the puck up the ice with ease and enter the offensive zone. He was a deceptive operator with the puck, calculated and calm in possession, managed to skate out of trouble and controlled the puck well while pressured. However, some more creativity would have been nice to see and he didn’t take many chances. Malinen is a great skater with a powerful first step and crisp, agile four-way mobility. He can outskate anyone in the league and he wins foot races to pucks. He registered two hits and one blocked shot. His defensive play wasn’t spectacular, but he was tough to get around and showed awareness in his own end.