The season is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to look towards the future. We do that every year with the Five For Howling 25 Under 25, ranking the Coyotes’ best players under 25. For this year’s rankings, I am joined by James Reeve (@JamesRJReeve), Mike Gould (@miketgould), Haynes Evans (@HaynesPEvans), and Matthew Jacobson (@TheAZSportsGuy).
Juuso Välimäki
2022-23 League: NHL (Arizona Coyotes)
Games Played: 78
Goals: 4
Assists: 30
Highest Rating: 6
Lowest Rating: Not Rated
Originally drafted 16th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Arizona Coyotes claimed Juuso Välimäki off waivers last year in early October. As Välimäki progressed and looked like a full-time NHL player, the Flames were likely upset that they had to lose him for nothing.
The Flames scratched Välimäki a lot. After 49 games with the Flames during the 2020-21 season, Välimäki was limited to just nine games in 2021-22. He was eventually sent down to the AHL where he played 35 games with the Stockton Heat, registering two goals and 16 assists.
Välimäki primarily played with J.J. Moser last season, with Josh Brown and Troy Stecher as his second and third-most frequent partners. He seemed to find his stride with Moser, two young players with an offensive upside.
The Coyotes were happy they got Välimäki, who played well in his first full-time NHL season. He led the blue line in points and assists, although Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakob Chychrun likely would have surpassed him if they stayed with the team. This may be the biggest knock against the Finnish defenseman, he’s good, but he isn’t a number one defenseman.
Luckily for Välimäki, he doesn’t have to be a number one defenseman. The Coyotes acquired Sean Durzi and signed Matt Dumba, both of whom will likely be above him in the lineup. This will allow Välimäki to continue growing while not worrying about being the number one guy.
Välimäki’s play earned him a one-year, one-million-dollar deal with the Coyotes. It’s a slight pay cut for the defenseman who made $2 million last season, but if he can have another good season, he should earn a raise and an increase in term.
Looking into the future, Välimäki seems like he could be an effective second-pairing guy. There are still areas he needs to work on, but he is years away from hitting his peak. But hopefully, we see another year of growth from the defender, who has finally found a spot on an NHL roster.