Vilho Vanhatalo: NHL Draft Prospect

0:00On March 23rd, Wilho Van Hattalo is one of Finland's most intriguing prospects for the 2026 NHL draft. This 6 foot 4 left shooting winger from Tompere plays for Toparaz under 20 team in the SM Sarja and got 8 call-ups to their top Liga, squad this season. At just 17 he's drawing scouts with his massive frame, weighing 198 pounds and rankings that put him 14th among. European skaters in NHL Central Scouting's mid-term list. Earlier this season, Van Hattalo posted 10 goals and 9 assists in 38 under 20 games, picking up 43 penalty minutes along the way. He added one assist in those Liga appearances and shown internationally with 3 goals and 7 assists in 14 under 18 games for Finland. His older brother Lassi plays in Liga too and Hockey runs deep in the family. Gouts love his heavy snapshot with a quick release that picks corners from tough angles, plus his willingness to battle along the boards and in front.

1:01Of the net, he's got that goal scores instinct, leading Finland's under 18 ranks in goals last year. Meanwhile, other rankings from places like TSN and Elite Prospects have him in the 30s to 60s overall. The big question mark is his skating. His first steps lack explosion for a guy his size and he struggles to accelerate through the neutral zone. His first faster pros, decision-making under pressure can slow him down too, leading to more physical plays than skill ones. Still, his Liga exposure shows he can hang with men. If Van Hattalo sharpens his feet and rees over the next couple years, he could develop into a middle 6 power winger with power play upside. Teens patient with finished talent might grab him in the second or third round come draft time. From your team, powered by AI, this is NHL News Today.