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Canadiens: From Cup Finals to Lottery Pick

By Sebastian High

OSHAWA, ON - DECEMBER 05: Shane Wright #51 of the Kingston Frontenacs looks on during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on December 5, 2019 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OSHAWA, ON - DECEMBER 05: Shane Wright #51 of the Kingston Frontenacs looks on during an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals at the Tribute Communities Centre on December 5, 2019 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /
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LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 20: Joakim Kemell. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 20: Joakim Kemell. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /

Joakim Kemell

While Brad Lambert (we’ll get to him next) was getting all the attention as a high-end Finnish prospect eligible for the 2022 draft for the past few years, it is his teammate for JYP that has gotten off to an explosive start in the Finnish Liiga, which just so happens to be one of the five best hockey leagues in the world. Joakim Kemell, a 5’11”, 176 lbs RW, has scored a whopping 10 goals and 15 points in 13 games, which puts him first in the entire league in both categories (tied for 1st in points and with a 3-goal lead on the next best goalscorer).

If he can come anywhere close to keeping up that pace, he will not only shatter innumerable records but also challenge for the first overall spot. Kemell is a versatile offensive player, too; his shot is devastating, but he also bangs in his fair share of greasy goals and drives offence, he certainly doesn’t share Patrik Laine’s passive style of play. Kemell currently sits 1st in points per game amongst U20 players in the Liiga since 2000, just ahead of names such as Anton Lundell and Sebastian Aho, who were 18 and drafted when they put up those totals, Kemell is also currently ahead of a 17-year-old Aleksander Barkov in that stat.

Of course, the small sample size needs to be considered, but Kemell has been the most dominant player in a high-end professional league thus far this season and would make for a great pickup for the Habs if they get a high draft pick. Sure, the right-wing would be cluttered with Caufield, Gallagher, Anderson, Toffoli, Armia and even Ylonen, but you draft the crazy-skilled sniper first and figure out the logjam second.

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