Jiko Laitinen: Finnish Prospect with NHL Upside

0:00On April 30th, 17-year-old Jiko Leitinen, from Tompere, a Finland, made waves this season with Ilves in the Liga 1-20 team. Born April 16th, 2008, this 6-foot-0, 163-pound left shooting center, is eligible for the 20-26. NHL draft, he's ranked 47th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. His big moment came October 17th, 2025, scoring in his Liga debut to tie the game against TPS, marking the first. Grandfather Grandson Duo, in Ilves' history, with his grandpa, Maddie Cario, who captained the team to a title back in 1985. Earlier this season, Leitinen exploded offensively in the under-20 SM Sarja, notching 19 goals in 41 points in 41 games for AA. He also scored in his Champions-Hockey League debut at just 17 years, five months, and

1:0022 days old, becoming Ilves youngest ever in. That tournament during a five-nothing win. Scouts and fans lit up over his smarts on the ice, especially after strong showings with Finland's under-18 team, where he tallied six goals and 10 points in 14 games, including the 20-26 tie IHF under-18 World Championship in Slovakia. That hockey sense lets him read, plays ahead of time, and finds open ice, even if his skating is an explosive. He's got work to do on adding muscle, and boosting his speed to handle pro physicality, and his pro sample size is still small, with just call-ups. Far. Ilves locked him into a contract extension in April 20th, 26, betting on his upside as a smart two-way center projected for the 5th to, 7th rounds. Layton's path forward means pushing for a full league of roll next year, whereas instincts could turn him into a reliable depth NHL option if the body fills out right. Keep an eye on this fin with family roots deep in the game.

2:02Stay locked in with NHL News Today, AI-powered updates.