With the 15th pick the Montreal Canadiens are proud to select from Honkajoki, Finland, defensemen, VILLE HEINOLA.
Lukko Rauma (SM-Liiga)
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 5’11, 178 lbs
Born: February 3rd, 2001 | Honkajonki, Finland
Nation: Finland
So the way I looked at this pick was Heinola and Newhook are skilled players available that fit with Montreal's needs. The PP in Montreal needs a lot of help and the way that Heinola moves the puck with his head up constantly gave me the impression of a very cerebral player. When he has the puck you can see him evaluating his options and has the ability to distribute the puck wisely under pressure. Back checks well, passes well, I think this kid would have high value at #15. Smart, calm kid on the blue line to transition out of the zone in hockey mad Montreal seems like long term success.
No way, no how would I bring a big french kid like Lavoie with all the pressure. Harley seems safe. Newhook was a 1B for me.
Steve Kournianos - The Draft Analyst
A quick and agile puck mover who can play either side and jumpstarts the attack from as far back as his own goal line, Heinola is a polished defender who immediately earned the trust of his coaches to play a significant role. At first glance, Heinola looks like a purely offensive defenseman, mostly because of his smaller frame and his confidence controlling the puck. But he has proven to be highly intelligent in his own end, using proper positioning and anticipation to create turnovers. He’ll never be a physical presence, but Heinola plays the body in an effective and efficient manner, using just enough of his upper-body strength to separate an opponent from the puck or fix him into the corner. Heinola is an excellent skater who pivots or curls away from pressure, but he also has the innate sense to identify backpressure and take the path of least resistance. Once he escapes, Heinola properly identifies blocked passing lanes and rarely forces the puck into an area that could lead to an opposing counterattack.
One underrated aspect of his game is the way he avoids passing into coverage for the sake of saving his own tail – Heinola knows when to either eat the puck and take a hit or to use his quick first step to attack an opening. Once in open ice, Heinola can uses a series of head fakes and gear shifts to enter the zone cleanly; stopping on a dime to allow the numbers to even out. He is incredibly patient with the puck and will regroup back to the neutral zone if necessary. Heinola surveys the offensive zone like a confident quarterback and passes the puck crisply and right on the tape, especially off his back foot. He properly supports his defense partner and is used quite frequently for set plays that allow him to dart into the scoring areas. Heinola is more of a playmaker than a shooter, although he can sling a high-powered wrister that he seems to favor over his slapper, and he rarely takes low-percentage shots.
Colorado and @hf101 you're on the clock.