Born: 2001-03-13
Team: TPS U20
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 183
FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKING
HM: D Valtteri Pulli – TPS (U20)
There has not been a whole lot of hype around the towering, mobile 6’4″ defenseman. Pulli earned his promotion to TPS U20 after being a key contributor for the U18 team. Pulli is an agile skater who can stop and start quickly and make sudden changes of direction. He is strong in battles. Not particularly flashy but makes the effective and smart play with the puck. Has a hard shot.
REPORT: TPS @ HIFK U20, JANUARY 5, 2019
Pulli played on the first pairing at even strength and looked solid on the penalty kill as well. The 6-3 defenseman didn’t make many eye-popping plays, however, he displayed sound decision making and strong physical tools. He moved the puck effectively and gave hard, crisp passes out of the zone. He possesses good foot speed and agility, he can stop and start quickly. He has smooth hands, enabling to occasionally carry the puck up the ice and away from pressure. He had a nice zone entry in the second period where he stopped and turned on a dime. Pulli has developed significantly over the course of the season and has shown increasing confidence with the puck in each of my four viewings.