Kasper Puutio may not be known as the most elite hockey prospect, but his game at the 2022 IIHF WJC showed otherwise. Puutio is a native of Vaasa, Finland and currently plays for KalPa in the Finnish Liiga. His NHL rights are owned by the Florida Panthers.
Puutio was selected by the Panthers during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft in the fifth round, 153rd overall. He is a right-handed shooting defenseman with decent size, standing at six feet and weighing 185 pounds.
Puutio is a player that plays with a lot of emotion. He is a leader for the Finnish Junior Team. He was named assistant captain during the 2022 IIHF WJC Tournament.
The Finnish defender ended the tournament by capturing a silver medal with his home country. He played a big role offensively and defensively. Puutio ended the tournament with four goals and three assists in seven games. He was also named the Best Defenseman of the Tournament.
Puutio played a big role in a good Finland squad. Puutio played regular minutes with Vancouver Canucks prospect Joni Jurmo. He was regularly on the first penalty kill line and power play units. Puutio is a player that isn't afraid to take a hit or block a shot.
Offensively, Puutio was dynamic for his country. He has a lethal shot, which is why he was playing on the power play. He scored four goals in just seven games as a d-man. Puutio scored the only goal in the semi-final match against Team Sweden. While on the power play, Puutio caught a pass from teammate Aatu Raty. He then blew by the Swedish d-man and scored on a breakaway.
The one and only goal in last night’s WJC semifinal between Finland and Sweden came from Panthers defensive prospect Kasper Puutio. He’ll play for gold tonight against Canada. pic.twitter.com/4tNT6Gg5sz
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) August 20, 2022
Puutio is currently unsigned by the Florida Panthers and all signs show that he is heading back to KalPa for the upcoming 2022–23 season.