Born: 2001-01-02
Team: TPS
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 203
2019-2020 SEASON REPORT
The Nashville Predators seventh rounder started the season with TPS U20. He was excellent and at times looked too good for the juniors, despite being only 18 years old at the time. He was promoted to the Liiga team at the beginning of December. Pärssinen seemingly gained confidence while playing against men and started to really put up points after the turn of the year. He was very productive in February, scoring seven points in nine games. There is a lot to like about the competitive 6’2″ center. He plays a strong, dependable two-way game. He has good vision and displays awareness both with and without the puck. He’s a good playmaker, has an accurate wrist shot and he can be flashy offensively. He is good on special teams. He is not a blazing skater, but his speed is not a concern. He has good instincts and knows where to go to be effective. He wasn’t particularly strong at face-offs in the Liiga (he won 44.5 percentage of his draws), but he will improve with time, I don’t have any doubt about that. After finishing the season so well, he could have a big role on the Liiga team next season. In Pärssinen, the Predators have a very good prospect whose progress since the draft has been impressive.
REPORT: U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, APRIL 18-21, 2019
Pärssinen has been one of the bright spots on Team Finland at the U18 World Championship. He was promoted to the first line during the second game against Belarus and the 6’2″ center has impressed with more responsibility. He’s constantly proactive to the play instead of being reactive which is particularly evident in his play reading without the puck. He uses his stick well to cover shooting lanes and he breaks up plays regularly. Has nifty hands and shows flashes of good playmaking and timely passing. Pärssinen is a strong skater with agility, speed and balance, even though he does lack a bit in lateral mobility. With his versatility he be relied upon to play in all situations, plus up and down the lineup.
REPORT: TPS @ HIFK U20, DECEMBER 16, 2018
Pärssinen had a very strong game against HIFK U20, scoring a hat trick and four points in a 5-4 win. His first goal that came late in the second period was a very nice one: he displayed fast stickhandling and quick hands in tight before finishing with an accurate wrister on the blocker side. He showed good scoring touch on his two other goals around the net. He read the game very well away from the puck by moving to the front of the net on his third goal. Pärssinen was very strong at the face-off dot, winning 15 of his 20 face-offs. He has good puck skills and smooth hands. His skating is solid, he’s got good quickness and top speed, especially for someone of his size. Also, his effort without the puck was strong and he was committed to the defensive game. Pärssinen is already playing in key situations for his team and has the makings of a strong two-way player at the next level.
REPORT: TPS @ BLUES U18, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
Pärssinen played a well-rounded game while centering TPS’ third line and receiving ice-time on special teams. He consistently provided support for his teammates and he was effective in front of the net, gaining the position for possible deflections on point shots. His hockey sense and compete level away from the puck stood out. He created a scoring chance in the second period with a terrific forecheck and stole the puck away. He had good skating mechanics to build on: long, powerful strides and fairly good agility. Pärssinen once turned the puck over dangerously in the defensive end, however, he also made a few nice passes in the final third. He didn’t make many high-end plays but nevertheless had a good performance.