Kyle Garcia 
With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Aatu Jämsen!
Aatu Jämsen
Birthdate: July 22, 2002
Birthplace: Lahti, Finland
Height: 6’2
Weight: 157 lbs
Position: Right wing/Left wing
Shoots: Left
Draft: 7th round, 190th overall, 2020 NHL Entry Draft
2023-24 season
Aatu Jämsen entered his third season with the Pelicans (Liiga), the big-level club, after recording 32 points in 43 games the previous season with the team. Jämsen played in only 36 games because injuries limited his time on the ice at different points throughout the season. However, when he was healthy, Jämsen recorded 25 points (14G-11A) and a +7 rating with 16 penalty minutes.
In 14 games for the Pelicans, Jämsen recorded only two goals as the Pelicans lost in the finals to Tappara in five games. Jämsen’s highlight play of the regular season was his Michigan-style goal against Tappara.
2024-25 outlook
Jämsen signed his entry-level contract (two-year deal) with the Kings on May 22nd and will be one of three seventh-round picks on the Ontario Reign roster. It will be his first professional season in North America.
While I haven’t seen much of Jämsen during his time in Liiga, I’m curious to see how his first season in North America plays out. The 22-year-old winger has good stick handling to complement his skating ability; however, he’ll have to adjust to the smaller ice rink and the physical game in North America. He is billed at 157 pounds on his Elite Prospects information page, so he’ll have to work on getting stronger throughout the year. Given his skill set, I could see him being a creative bottom-six forward with possible power-play time for the Reign.
Featured image credit: Tomi Natri/All Over Press
Dude is here for Chicks and tasty waves?
Or is he for real enough to transition to America,