San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen and the London Knights are about to up the OHL regular season and head to the postseason.
Halttunen started in the American Hockey League but was eventually sent back to Juniors for more development. In 37 games, the big winger has 19 goals and 20 assists.
While the Finnish forward may not have had the most productive season, the postseason could see him level up his game. During the 2024 OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup, the Sharks prospect scored 17 goals in 18 games.
Halttunen caught fire at the perfect time for the Knights and led the way on the goal-scoring front. From a Sharks perspective, seeing a top prospect elevate their game during playoffs was encouraging.
At 19, Halttunen can still play one more year of Juniors next season. Given that he started in the AHL this season, the Sharks may want him to turn pro full-time in 25-26.
Halttunen’s foot speed has been his most significant deterrent for being a true pro this season. His shot is his best attribute, and it isn’t close. He might not be the complete two-way power forward that retired NHLer Rick Nash once was, but he can be a power-play specialist for years.
The San Jose Sharks prospect played six games in the AHL this season and had two goals and two assists. He didn’t look out of place, but an injury and a hot start for the ‘Cuda derailed his chances of staying with the pro club.
A strong postseason run for Halttunen can do wonders for his confidence heading into the offseason. Halttunen can jump-start his pro career at development camp this summer if he puts together a strong playoff run.
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