Toronto Maple Leafs 2017-18 Player Profile: Miro Aaltonen
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Miro Aaltonen to an entry level contract in March.
The deal enabled the Toronto Maple Leafs to welcome one of the KHL’s top young players with open arms. However, Aaltonen will be required to compete with Toronto’s youngsters for a full-time spot on the roster.
Miro Aaltonen was given his first taste of the NHL in a 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Senators Monday night. The 24 year old Finn is known for his speed, which he showcased at camp this past summer.
Miro Aaltonen was drafted 177th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. His size is similar in relation to Mitch Marner, standing at 5’11” and weighing 172 lbs. Aaltonen has played in three separate league’s throughout his career; SM-liiga, Mestis, and the KHL. He has recorded 168 points in 296 career games, and is expected to further develop his abilities as he gains experience within the NHL.
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Full Time Spot or Future Roster Consideration?
Head coach Mike Babcock praised Miro Aaltonen in a media scrum mid-September, following an impressive display at training camp. (From Mapleleafhotstove.com)
“He’s a competitive guy…He’s way quicker than I thought. Early in training camp, he didn’t look very quick to me. He always made plays and was always strong on the puck.”
Following Toronto’s 6-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on September 18, his name failed to be mentioned alongside Travis Dermott and Calle Rosen as one of the players that had stood out to Babcock. However, a lack of appraisal following a significant defeat isn’t anything to worry about for Aaltonen. To many Leafs fans, he played a relatively good game and could just as easily have been mentioned.
However, the former KHLer is not expected to break the Leafs full time roster. While he may have been a driving force with previous clubs, Toronto’s current lineup of starters has proven to be difficult to crack for many newcomers. Fortunately for Aaltonen, the Leafs have shown a lack of depth on the left wing. This may prove to be a favorable influence when considering a future roster spot for the young Finn.
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Quickly adapting to an NHL style of play is something he will be required to learn. Miro Aaltonen has been battling for a spot on the fourth line, but Toronto should be in no rush to provide him with a full time role. At 24 years of age, he still has time adjust to the Maple Leafs style of play.