There was a time when Aatu Räty was believed to be the consensus number one pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Even before the 2020 NHL Draft had started, most way-too-early mock draft boards had the Finnish centerman at the top for the following season. He also closely profiles a current LA Kings player.
The Oulunsalo, Finland native, was omitted from Team Finland’s World Juniors roster. While the numbers weren’t there playing in a league against grown men, Räty registered 14 shots in three games, including a goal in mid-January, while seeing his TOI nearly double from the Fall.
He plays a physical style, with ELITE stickhandling handling skills. He was frequently utilized in the shootout, making the opposing goalies look foolish. Räty will not go number one overall, but he brings a nasty wrist shot to his prospective NHL team.
He’d probably be a reach for the LA Kings with their first-round pick, but Aatu Räty brings a physical and quick playing style.
Aatu Räty, C/LW
Vitals
- Age: 18
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 181 lbs
- Shot: L
Rankings
- Ranked #11 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
- Ranked #12 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
- Ranked #19 by FCHOCKEY
- Ranked #3 by NEUTRAL ZONE
- Ranked #12 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
- Ranked #14 by SPORTSNET’S
- Ranked #13 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
- Ranked #11 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
- Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
- Ranked #9 by SMAHT SCOUTING
- Ranked #7 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
- Ranked #20 by TSN/McKenzie