Kasper Puutio — a Star of Finnish Defence

Kasper Puutio, born on June 3, 2002, in Vaasa, Finland, is a talented right-shooting defenseman who has made significant strides in both the Finnish Liiga and on the international stage.

Currently playing for Kärpät, Puutio’s smooth skating, strong vision, and impressive game sense have caught the attention of scouts and hockey fans alike. Known for his ability to transition the puck from the defensive zone to the neutral zone and his calmness under pressure, Puutio is becoming a key asset for his team. His development over the years, particularly through tournaments like the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, has proven his potential as a future NHL-caliber player.

Player Stats:

Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Right
Born: June 3, 2002, Vaasa, Finland
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Team: Kärpät

Early Promise and Development

Kasper Puutio first gained attention as the 1st overall selection in the 2019 CHL Import Draft. His poised, smooth skating and defensive intelligence allowed him to be an integral part of Finland’s national team. At the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Puutio was paired with fellow defenseman Eemil Viro and showed off his fluid skating, strong vision, and sharp decision-making. His lateral movement and quick acceleration made him difficult to beat, allowing him to chase down opponents effortlessly.

Puutio’s control with the puck under pressure and his anticipation of plays made him a reliable force on the ice. Although occasionally hurried when clearing the defensive zone, his overall ability to read the game has improved over time, and he consistently displays solid first passes and power play management.

Strengths and Skills on the Ice

Puutio’s most standout trait is his exceptional skating. His edge work, agility, and lateral movement allow him to change directions swiftly and maintain balance, making him a versatile defenseman.
Puutio has strong game vision, enabling him to make accurate passes and create smooth transitions from defense to offense.
Despite his occasional struggles with speedier forwards, Puutio’s positioning in the defensive zone is impressive, and he consistently narrows shooting lanes and covers passing routes.
Although slightly undersized for a defenseman, Puutio’s hard work and competitiveness make up for his stature, and his effort in puck battles and defensive play is notable.

Impressive Performances

One of Puutio’s notable performances came at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was Finland’s top defenseman. His seamless transitions and strong skating contributed to Finland’s defensive effort, and he played a crucial role in key situations such as power plays and penalty kills. Additionally, Puutio has shown his versatility in various Finnish tournaments, including his role in Finland’s 2018 U17 World Hockey Challenge, where he played alongside Joona Lehmus as part of the top defensive pairing.

In the WHC U17 tournament, while Puutio faced challenges against Canada’s fast-paced forwards, his strong positional play and ability to deliver accurate opening passes made him Finland’s most reliable defender in that game. His offensive upside, paired with his defensive capabilities, makes him a valuable two-way player.

A Young Star

Kasper Puutio’s journey from his early days in Vaasa to becoming one of Finland’s top young defensemen is a testament to his dedication and skill. His elite skating ability, combined with his smart decision-making and vision, ensures that Puutio will continue to develop into a top-tier defenseman.