Caps Sign Lepisto
Sami Lepisto, a 2004 Caps draft pick, signed a two-year entry level contract today. The 23-year-old defenseman will attend July's development camp and training camp in September. He'll have the opportunity to make the Caps' roster, but is most likely destined for Hershey next season, I'm told.
Lepisto is a smallish, puck-moving blueliner and was one of the last players cut from Finland's world championship squad.
By Tarik El-Bashir |
May 31, 2007; 3:08 PM ET
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Posted by: Graham | May 31, 2007 3:18 PM
Nice that the rumors were true. Looking forward to seeing how Lepisto makes the transition to the NA rink/game.
I believe he is Kurri's godson, not nephew. Lepisto's father, Jussi, played with Kurri.
Posted by: sk84fun | May 31, 2007 4:21 PM
He actually wasn't the last player to be cut from the World Championship team. There were atleast 2 d-man and one forward who were cut after him.
Posted by: Ferris | May 31, 2007 4:58 PM
Changed that to one of the last ... thanks.
Posted by: Tarik | May 31, 2007 5:48 PM
Not a big deal, but looks like his age is listed incorrectly in the official press release and the incorrect info is being repeated - Lepisto is 22, that is until October (10/17/84).
Posted by: sk84fun | May 31, 2007 6:14 PM
You will surprise how good this guy is. I am sure that he has a great chance to be in the season opening night. He is skilled, checks hard, good hands for the defensmen and he doesn`t do any stupid mistakes. He is the guy that the caps need.
Posted by: kolzig_fan_finland | June 1, 2007 4:01 AM
Hockeysfuture ranks him as the Caps' 12th best prospect..
Here's what they say:
12. Sami Lepisto, D
Acquired: 3rd round, 66th overall, 2004
This Finnish offensive defenseman had his breakout year in the 2004-05 season, followed up by an equally as successful 2005-06 season. Yet this past season injuries have stalled Lepisto, possibly setting back his North American debut.
In 2005-06, Lepisto played in 56 games, scoring eight goals and 21 assists. But due to injuries, he only played 26 games in the 2006-07 season, netting a mere goal and nine assists.
One of the best young defensemen in Finland, Lepisto excels at puck control; with a very calm demeanor he makes good passes and exudes confidence with the puck. His good play under pressure makes him the prime player to be on the ice when it counts. He needs to work especially on his defensive game, skating, and to become physically stronger to win the necessary battles for the puck. The next logical step for Lepisto would be the AHL.
================
Maybe he's a power play quarterback. There certainly seems to be a need for that on the big club. Hershey seems like the destination and maybe he'll get some call-ups..
Oneal
Posted by: | June 1, 2007 10:24 AM
The kid needs to fill out a little, but size will have little to do with his making the NHL. Niedermayer and Beauchemin barely top 6'-0", and Lidstrom, while being 6'-2", weighs 185!
Posted by: Shaggy | June 1, 2007 11:10 AM
So it basically sounds like they have found a replacement for Nycholat? Small but skilled - potential PP quarterback?
Posted by: On Ice | June 1, 2007 12:06 PM
He is also a lefty shot, which we really need on the point of the power play
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Good stuff. People will no doubt be upset at his smallish stature. With his pro experience I'd venture blindly that he could be on the opening night roster, if only to be sent down later in the season.
He's the nephew of Jarri Kurri if I remember correctly