Born: 1999-06-01
Team: Jokerit (KHL)
Position: LW/RW
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 207
REPORT: SIBIR @ JOKERIT (KHL), JANUARY 3, 2019
Vesalainen had a strong game on the second line as Jokerit defeated Sibir Novosibirsk 4-1. He got a good amount of power play time and had the secondary assist on Jokerit’s second goal on the power play. He also recorded two shots on goal. Vesalainen showed good puck handling skills. He made a lot of subtle and smart passes – even when he was pressured, he was able to find his teammates with short outlet passes. However, he once tried to deke an opponent in the offensive zone but lost the control of the puck and Sibir had a dangerous counter attack at the other end. Vesalainen showed good mobility, especially for someone of his size. He’s a powerful skater with good top-end speed and edge work. He was quite strong in board battles and also defensively responsible, being aware and alert without the puck.