Montreal Canadiens: Who is Aleksi Anttalainen and what does he bring?

A Rushing Threat

The Montreal Canadiens look to be making the most out of this unofficial union with Blainville-Boisbriand as they’ve picked up another player from the organization. Anttalainen is a 19-year-old left-shot defenceman who is not the biggest guy at 5’9″ and 182 pounds but plays big along the blueline.

What stands out the most for Anttalainen is his skating and his strength. He plays on an aggressive edge and uses it to get opposing players out of the crease, win battles down low and along the boards, and separate others from the ongoing play. Additionally, Anttalainen’s strength is a threat when it comes to pucks. He has a very heavy slap shot that gets to the net easily. The only knock is that he could use it more which may lead to more offence from the defender on a consistent basis.

The Turku native made the move to the QMJHL after spending the last four years in Finnish Jr Leagues as well as international play including U18 time with Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2017. Anttalainen had four (4) goals, 18 assists, and 87 shots on net in his debut season with the Armada. He also put up a goal and six (6) assists in the playoffs that saw the team make the President’s Cup Finals.

Something that could surely help Anttalainen improve his offensive output is by growing more as a puck mover. He’s shown the confidence and ability to rush the puck out of the defensive zone to start a rush for his forwards ahead. However, Anttalainen isn’t much of a distributor and would rather get the puck to someone else instead of taking his time with it to consider all options. That will come with time and hopefully that’s a skill that’s brought out at rookie camp and improved in his second year in the Q.

No Place But Up

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There is a lot to like about Anattalainen’s game. He’s further down the totem pole on defence considering the other players the Montreal Canadiens will have at camp, but he’ll be in complete control of where he plays. Going back to the Armada looks to be the likely route though and with another season under his belt to work on his skills, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return next year.

That said, a strong performance could at the very least earn him an AHL contract if Bouchard feels like he can better improve his play in the minors.

We’ve learned in the past, especially within the Montreal Canadiens organization, that size isn’t everything. Francis Bouillon made it to the NHL in a time where small-statured defencemen weren’t relied upon as much. But he managed to pull through and play a strong game that allowed him to make the jump after years of adversity. Anttalainen can take away a lot from that story, and he’ll be in close contact with Bouillon who is a member of the developmental staff.

The only thing Anttalainen should keep in check is that edge he plays on. His physical play is effective, but he’s found himself crossing the line which won’t help him develop his game at camp. Anttalainen was suspended early in the season for five games for a hit to the head.

Keeping that fire in check is going to be key as it’s his skating and skill with the puck that he should have people talking about and focusing on.

Acknowledgments: Player stats from Elite Prospects and the QMJHL League site.