Born: 1999-10-03
Team: Ilves
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 172
REPORT: KOOVEE @ TUTO (MESTIS), NOVEMBER 13, 2019
The New Jersey Devils seventh rounder had a very strong game in a 4-3 overtime win. He played on the third line and got some power play time as well. His second goal of the season came on a partial breakaway as he scored with a quick snapshot on the glove side. Päkkilä is a great skater with a fluid stride and quick first few strides. He can change direction without losing any momentum. He has a lot of skill, too, as he can stickhandle well in tight quarters and his passing was crisp and accurate all night long. He went to the front of the net with regularity and with his stick on the ice. He has looked more and more comfortable in the Mestis after each viewing.
REPORT: KIEKKO-VANTAA @ KOOVEE (MESTIS), OCTOBER 2, 2019
Päkkilä created two great scoring chances with his speed in the first period. He separated himself from the defenders, but couldn’t finish off those plays and a couple of other opportunities in the game. The New Jersey Devils prospect is a fluid skater with very good foot speed, a quick first step and strong edges. He can stop and start quickly. He was highly intelligent in his passing and play reading. He had poise with the puck and patiently waited for passing lanes to develop. He can execute both short and long-range passes with success and will rarely force a play. His consistent effort without the puck was also noticeable, as he came back to his own end quickly. Because of his skating, speed and smarts, I think Päkkilä has the potential to evolve into a multifaceted all-around winger at the pro level.
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ HIFK U20, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
Päkkilä received most ice-time among Kärpät U20 forwards (19:37) and had a decent game against HIFK. His skating and speed are definitely above average at this level. He used quick first three strides to accelerate and gain separation in the neutral zone. Päkkilä controlled the puck fairly well at high speeds. He moves really well in a straight line. The main concern was his decision making with the puck, he was unable to have much of an impact offensively and his passes constantly missed the target. On a positive note, he was more proactive defensively than in some previous viewings and that part of his game appears to be improving. The New Jersey Devils prospect is definitely a project, but the fact that his game has improved a lot in the last couple of seasons made him a worthwhile late round selection.