In recent years, Finland has produced a number of prospects who have all followed a similar archetype: Smart, diligent, hard-working players, often held back by a lack of dynamic tools.

Konsta Helenius doesn’t necessarily break from this mould, but he's arguably the most sophisticated and polished version of that player.

Helenius’ pedigree matches – and in many cases exceeds – that of other top Finnish forward prospects to enter the draft in recent memory.

He was a legitimate top-six centre in Liiga as a 17-year-old, with encouraging production – in both the regular season and playoffs – comparable to what Patrik Laine managed back in his draft year. He became the youngest player in the history of Finnish hockey to play at the men’s World Championship, and also the first Finnish player – and the fifth player from any country – to make the team for all three major World Championship tournaments in a single season.

It’s no surprise that Helenius’ splendid achievements against men have boosted his stock. Many think that he’s not that far away from playing in the NHL, either.

Here’s why.