Ht/Wt: 6' 3"/207 lbs
Position: C
Team: Tappara (Liiga)

Oliver Suvanto's Player Profile

Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff - April 14th: "Recently, we’ve seen him play heavy minutes with the U-20 squad, and while offense has been tough to come by, he still found ways to impact the game away from the offensive zone. I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we’re talking about a big, middle-six guy here, but I want him to find another gear, offensively."

Will Scouch - Scouching.ca - April 13th: "He’s a bit of a return to form for the traditional big Finnish centre who may not have the flash of others, but has the pressure management, size, strength, and team-based approach that that nation specializes in. I don’t know how much offense you’re going to get out of him in the NHL, but the ingredients are there, especially when you consider how young he is."

Dauton Reimer - The Hockey Writers - March 25th: "Oliver Suvanto is a big, two-way centre who has continued to impress this season with his competitiveness and all-around presence. He uses his 6-foot-3 frame to break up plays and push opponents off the puck, as well as set up scoring chances and screens in front of the net."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - March 17th: "He's a big, strong, driven forward who plays in the middle third and goes to the net. He's willing to play through and into contact. He skates well enough; once he builds, he can play with power, though he could stand to get a little quicker (in his feet and mind at times). He doesn't wow you, but he has played well game to game across an extended period at this point."

Jason Bukala - Sportsnet - March 17th: "He creates space for his linemates and has evolving goal-scoring potential. Suvanto isn’t a burner in open ice. He’s an average-plus skater on straight lines with room to add more power as he matures. Suvanto’s value is felt most when games get harder and heavier overall in scenarios like the playoffs."

Steven Ellis - Daily Faceoff - March 13th: "Suvanto has spent the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown himself to be sound and reliable defensively. I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we’re talking about a big, middle-six guy here."

Peter Baracchini - The Hockey Writers - March 10th: "He may not be the fastest or the most highly skilled player on the ice, but his work ethic and ability to be a highly responsible two-way centre, that can impact the game in all three zones is his trademark. The way he processes and thinks the game really makes him dangerous as he’s always putting himself in a good spot to intercept pucks and make a play."

Smaht Scouting - February 27th: "Suvanto is a structure-driven forward playing against pro competition whose game is built around positioning, support detail, and composed puck management. He reads space well in the neutral zone, consistently positioning himself to clog the middle and influence rush lanes."

Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - February 25th: "Suvanto is a power forward not so much for applying himself physically to intimidate opponents, but more because he understands how to use his body to be an effective cycle player who's good along the wall and good at protecting pucks to extend plays. He shoots the puck well, but doesn’t shoot enough, with just 42 shots in 43 games to date."

Tony Ferrari - The Hockey News - February 23rd: "Suvanto is the kind of middle-six center that teams need when they win championships. His presence and reliable play earn trust from coaches quickly. If he can add a gear to his skating the way Lundell has, Suvanto could be a genuinely underrated core piece for a Stanley Cup championship team."

Oliver Suvanto's Stats

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