Sami Vatnanen, the Ducks’ fourth-round draft pick in 2009, has been enjoying a 5-1 run through the IIHF World Championships for Team Finland. The soon-to-be 19-year-old has been scoring some highlight-reel goals for the Suomi, and was profiled today on the IIHF Web site:
“Everybody understands that he’s not as strong as the more
experienced and older players, but he’s just 18, that will come. All
in all, he’s a fantastic player, and probably won’t stay in Finland very
long,” [former Team Finland and NHL defenseman Reijo Ruotsalainen] adds.Fortunately for the Finnish fans, Vatanen
recently signed a contract extension that will keep him in Jyvskyl for
another two years.“I’m not listening to any other offers, I
signed with JYP, and that’s where I’ll play,” says the Anaheim Ducks’
fourth-round pick, 106th over all, in 2009.“I don’t plan my
career too much, I just try to enjoy playing, and take it one season at a
time. I had a big role in Jyvskyl last year, so why not next year, as
well. All I want to do now is to keep on developing as a player,” he
adds.
