Born: 2003-01-08
Team: Kärpät U20
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 165
REPORT: KÄRPÄT @ ROKI, JANUARY 6, 2021
Tuomaala had a strong game offensively for Kärpät. He recorded 13 shot attempts and also had a team-high seven shots on goal. On his goal he was left unmarked and fired a quick one-timer from the slot. He could create space for himself after gaining the offensive zone – showed great poise and dangled opponents on a couple of occasions. An intelligent and flashy player who consistently made skilled plays in the game. Tuomaala is also a very strong skater with speed, balance and a great glide.
SCOUTING REPORT: OCTOBER 30, 2020
Tuomaala is off to good start with Kärpät U20 in the 2020-21 season. He has been one of the key forwards the team and also made his Liiga debut against KooKoo in early October. He has started to become a more complete player this season. Even if he does not get on the scoresheet, he is still able to find ways to make an impact. He forechecks with solid intensity and overall he is active away from the puck. Offensively, Samu is an elite talent who can create scoring chances with his speed, shot and awareness. He’s a real sniper with a blistering, accurate wrist shot and a heavy one-timer. He shows nice vision of the game and knows where his teammates are on the ice at all times. His defensive game has improved, but he doesn’t feature on the penalty kill for Kärpät U20. Point production wise, he has been heating up recently, with seven points in his last four games. Both his overall ice time and power play time have increased lately as well. At this point in time, Tuomaala looks like a good bet for a high NHL Draft pick next year. In my opinion, he has a chance to selected in the top half of the first round.
SCOUTING REPORT: FEBRUARY 20, 2020
A dynamic winger with game-breaking speed and skill. Tuomaala possesses explosive acceleration and excellent top speed. He is a powerful skater who can pull away from opponents. Capable of winning 1 vs 1 situations. Likes to challenge defensemen with regularity, knowing that he can beat them with his quickness. Has a strong lower body and good balance. A strong shooter who can rifle the puck in stride, Tuomaala is a proficient finisher with a quick wrist shot and hard one-timer. He can beat goalies from close range or further out. Swift hands and very good puck control, can receive passes off skates with relative ease and get the puck under control quickly and smoothly. Defensively, he can read plays well away from the puck. He is quite alert and dependable in his own end. I wouldn’t call him the most intense player without the puck, but he is not a defensive liability to his team either. Samu has always thrived at the international level and has also been a highly productive player for Kärpät junior teams at various levels. He has all the tools to succeed once he moves up to the pros. Definitely a player to keep a close eye on for the 2021 NHL Draft.