The Los Angeles Kings added another piece for the future, signing center Samuel Helenius to a 3 year, entry-level deal with an AAV of $925,000.
Photo: Timo SavelaHelenius is a monster on skates, coming in at 6-foot-6 and 201 pounds. Although his size is intimidating, he does have soft hands around the net.
For his size, he is not all that physical in terms of penalty minutes. He hits like a truck and does play a sound defensive game.
Helenius is a two-way player but prides himself on his play in the defensive zone.
The 2nd round selection (59th overall) by the Kings in this year’s draft, Helenius comes in at a position where the Kings are stacked. His presence will come in handy for the playoffs, where the play is tight, physical, and usually low-scoring.
The Kings now have 2 centers of the future who are huge, Helenius and Quinton Byfield. They are both at least 6-foot-5, physical, and can play a 200-foot game. Byfield is more of a scorer, where Helenius is more of a defense-first player. Helenius gets his physical play from his bloodline, as his father is former NHL’er Sami Helenius.
The Kings have another good prospect locked up. He will need time to mature and adjust to the pro game. Helenius could be in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, the Kings affiliate, sooner than later. He fills a physical need that the Kings lack and could be even more available around the net.
The big Finland native is on his way but let’s give him time to develop.
Helenius does have an intensity that can turn the game around in the Kings favor but does not cross the line. He has a sneaky wrist shot and does have a quality slap shot to produce offensively.
What do you think of Helenius’ game?
When do you expect him to make his NHL debut?
Featured Image: Timo Savela
