The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks have pulled off a whopper of a trade, swapping Alexander Nylander for Henri Jokiharju. Both players are still on their entry-level contracts for another two seasons.
For Buffalo, the acquisition of Jokiharju continues an overhaul of their blue line. The team has now acquired Brandon Montour, Colin Millar and Jokiharju over the last several months, all three of which are right-handed. This latest trade will only continue to fuel the speculation about Rasmus Ristolainen, but almost certainly means that someone will have to be moved out before long. Casey Nelson and Zach Bogosian also play that side, though perhaps it is not a guarantee that Jokiharju will start the season in the NHL.
He did play 38 games for the Blackhawks last season and held his own at the NHL level. Recording 12 points and strong possession numbers while averaging close to 19 minutes a night at the highest level, his season also included a stint in the minor leagues with the Rockford IceHogs and a trip to the World Juniors where he took home the gold medal with Finland. When the season was over, he joined the Finnish World Championship squad as one of their only players with NHL experience and was a big part of them taking home the gold medal once again.
Overall it was quite the showing for Jokiharju, though his game at times did show the warts usually associated with 19-year old defensemen. The 29th-overall pick from 2017, he’ll need to find a little more consistency in his own end if he wants to really fulfill the promise he showed as a potential top-pairing player. That kind of potential is exactly what the Sabres are hoping to find, but it did cost them a pretty exceptional asset of their own.
Even though Nylander hasn’t quite found his footing yet at the NHL level doesn’t mean he won’t. Selected eighth overall in 2016, the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander has played just 19 games for the Sabres over the last three seasons. Even in the minor leagues, Nylander’s huge offensive ceiling hasn’t shown up consistently enough, leading to just 86 points in 165 AHL games. That performance though doesn’t tell the whole story, as Nylander has dealt with various injuries and could very well be in line for a breakout year at age-21.
Remember that this is a player who competed three times at the World Juniors, scoring 28 points in 21 games. He also won the CHL Rookie of the Year award in his only season with the OHL’s Mississauga Steelheads, scoring 87 points in 63 games. His puck possession skills are excellent and he can create offense both for himself and his teammates, even if his overall game hasn’t quite come together yet.
The Blackhawks have some recent history to look back on in terms of high picks finally fulfilling their potential upon arriving in Chicago. Dylan Strome was in much the same situation as Nylander when he was hopping back and forth between the minor leagues and Arizona Coyotes. Before joining the Blackhawks he had registered just 17 points in 48 games with Arizona but immediately broke out in Chiacgo to the tune of 51 in 58. That kind of offensive explosion is exactly what GM Stan Bowman will hope for once again.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Wow per trade rumors
The change of scenery might be good for both players who’ve had their share of struggles
I have been hoping and praying for this trade as it is one of the biggest of the year. Jok knows his way around hockey and can help in Buffalo and Rochester. I am so excited and know this guarantees an improved finish for Buffalo
I don’t like this trade as a hawks fan. Joki has a lot of promise and nylander is a bust
Wow nice deal for Buffalo
at least we dont ha e to hear Sabres fans clamor for a nylander family reunion now
This post actually deserves a fire stan comment
I love this for the Hawks. Yep. Hard working Alberta boy. Boom
Hopefully he won’t be as much of a stiff for the Hawks as his father was. It seems that Henri was not liked by Colliton from the start.
Fire Bowman!!
Patric Hornqvist and a 1st for Ristolainen. Then trade Justin Schultz for a 2nd.
Lmao I can’t wait for leprechaun to comment
Hahahaha. Yep hahahaha
you had to bring up leprechaun, rotflmao
Exactly another bad move by the bald headed boy wonder. He is terrible and only a GM because of Daddy
I just did loser
I was thinking the same thing!
Brutal move, he has no heart like little willie! Guys like this should stay in Candyswedeland!
Welcome back leprechaun
Lep, is the biggest ahole in here
It’s wee willie not little wille, joe Bowen is very sad you got that wrong marner
Big daddy,
Thats the best you got bro… let me guess you live in the usa ?
The best I got? I’m saying you got it wrong is all, not my fault you don’t listen to leaf games on the radio where the great joe Bowen calls William Nylander wee willie Nylander. Also from just outside Toronto
Ya thats what I said you clown show! Im not wrong a good puck moving d way better then a soft fw like nylander. Chicago has enough skilled fw. I’ve listened to him and know of really bud. Im Canadian. Im not outside toronto whose your team?
Somebody can’t read daddy
JD,
You’ve got no balls. Only sport you play is on a couch. You never stayed true to not responding . Shock you found me in here!
“Buffalo, that kind of stuff, that’s in the past. Obviously thought maybe I would be in the NHL sooner than I have been, but I’m just really excited, looking forward to being part of the Blackhawks organization,” Nylander said. “Really good with development players, so they actually know what they’re doing.”
“Obviously thought maybe I would be in the NHL sooner…they actually know what they’re doing.”
So, Nylander is blaming the Sabres for himself being bad?
Good luck with that, Chicago.
Josh,
Should we be suprised hes soft like his big brother
Marner what’s your problem was only just joking with you about William Nylander and you went nuts. It’s a small hockey forum here, your not Jeff seely from the old tsn posts
bigd,
First off your handle gives it away then your comments. Actually have something decent to comment on your. In the area I am highly doubt I can get thats why I pay for the sportspak so I dont miss a Leafs game.
Marner why do you have to attack everyone on these posts? I used to like reading the comments to see what real fans thought of the moves and whatnot. But you’ve turned the articles into jokes
I now see that Rasmus Ristolainen will most likely be dealt very shortly , maybe for what forwhomjoshbelltolls is asking for in return. with emergence of Dahlin , and yesterdays trade with my Favorite team the Black Hawks , Nylander for Jokiharju , which I like the deal.
Hey Marner #16 talk like that is cheap when you can’t face the person your talking about. So trust me my friend we can meet at any Hawks game you want and you won’t never make it inside the United Center
jimmy,
I don’t recall saying anything to you here or do you just like sticking your nose in other peoples business bud.
Lep,
Anyday… I could hang ya next to one of the Championship banner take your pick little green man!
Marner,
Funny you say I stick my nose in other people’s business when you’ve followed JDgoat around for the past 3 months replying to 99% of his comments with nonsense about his fandom. You bring nothing constructive here.
Jimmy,
The discussions between him and me have nothing to do with you. Im just stating the facts! Trying to educate that clown. You can also do what he said he would do and didnt you can choose not to respond back to me. How would you know are you stalking me?
Whether people respond to you or not doesn’t change the fact that you ruin every comment section you show up on. All you contribute is trolling, literally everybody on here sees that but you. Maybe you’re the problem Marner 16, not everybody else.
Wanted to inquire in regards to Mitch Marner so am asking some Leaf fans who keep up with latest news when is Marner gonna sign his contract , just a shout out for info regarding his status?
Official ,
Again same thing goes for you coming at me dont recall having discussions with you either so put your mouth in park!
Gerald,
Its gonna get done its just a matter of time. No way they let him get away!
Thanks Marner#16
No probem GA, dont agree with me or everyone will come at ya too lol.
Marner: “I’m trying to educate that clown.”
Also Marner: JD you have no balls.”
Marner , truth be known as you have seen I do joke around, tho I will not get involved in any conflicts of no kind, I asked a simple question and was hoping anyone to respond, to my question, I have some humility when something or someone responds to my questions I always say thank you , no disrespect I can’t speak for others , what goes on here is none of my business if some take exception to me showing gratitude to anyone whomever , then I will move on to another page on this site. as I was interested in this page cause I am a Chicago Black Hawk fan , so anyone comes at me I will choose not to respond to anyone , No disrespect to you or others on this page or site.
Thanks Jimmy for repeating my words do you write everything I say on your pad?
Gerald,
All good I too like the Hawks huge Toews fan.
Buffalo got the best of this trade here. no doubt
Unfazed,
I agree this trade makes no sense for Chicago.