Jesse Joensuu

2007-08 Update: October 1, 2007: Jesse Joensuu recorded 2 goals in his first 7 games of the new season with Assat in Finland. The first came in Assat's first game of the season, a 4-3 win at Lukko on Sept. 14th. Joensuu also scored in a 5-1 loss to JYP on Sept. 20th. Assat posted a 3-4-0 record during the month of September.

2006-07 Update: March 1, 2007: Jesse Joensuu recorded a goal and assisted on the game winner in a 2-1 win at Tappara on Feb. 22nd. Assat posted a record of 2-6-0 in February and they are 14-31-0 on the season.

February 1, 2007: Jesse Joensuu recorded 2 assists in 9 games played with Assat during the month of January. Along with the two games he missed at the tail end of December while away at the World Junior Championship's, Joensuu also missed games on 1/2 vs. Jokerit and 1/4 vs. Tappara. He recorded an assist on the game-winning goal in his first game back in a 4-3 win at SaiPa on Jan. 6th. Joensuu's other assist came in a 5-2 win at the Espoo Blues on Jan. 18th. Assat posted a record of 2-9-0 in January and they are 12-25-0 on the season. They are currently on a 4 game losing streak entering the month of February.

January 1, 2007: Jesse Joensuu went scoreless in 4 games played with Assat during the month of December. He missed games on 12/28 vs. Lukko and 12/30 at HPK while away in Sweden at the World Junior Championship's. Assat was 3-1-0 with Joensuu in the lineup and went 4-2-0 in the month of December. They are 10-16-0 on the season. WJC's Update: Joensuu was counted on for more offense this year with Team Sweden after providing 4 points in 7 games for the Finns en-route to winning the Bronze Medal in 2006. Joensuu scored a goal in Finland's quarterfinal game against Team USA that cut the Americans lead in half to 2-1. But Team USA went on to win the game 6-3. Joensuu also tallied an assist in a 4-3 preliminary round loss to Belarus for a total of 2 points in the tournament. 

December 1, 2006: Jesse Joensuu went 3-6-9 in 9 games played with Assat during the month of November. Assat posted a record of 3-6-0 in November and is 6-14-0 overall. While the team may be struggling, Joensuu is having his best year yet with Assat. At just the halfway mark, Joensuu has already set career marks for goals, assists and points. Twice in November he had 3 point games in which he recorded a goal and 2 assists: 11/2 in a 4-2 loss to TPS and 11/25 in a 5-1 win over Kaipa.

November 1, 2006: Jesse Joensuu went 2-2-4 in 11 games played with Assat, Finland during the month of October. Assat posted a record of 3-8-0 in October. On the season they are 6-13-0. On October 17, 2006 Joensuu scored the game winning goal in a 3-1 win over TPS Turku. He is already close to surpassing his offensive numbers of 2005-06 and the season isn't halfway through yet.

October 1, 2006: Jesse Joensuu began his third full season with Assat, Finland on September 14, 2006. After 8 games he has recorded 4 points. Joensuu recorded a goal and 2 assists in a 7-3 win over HPK on September 26th.

excerpt from Patience pays off for Islanders
by Shane Malloy, foxsports.com, Oct. 18, 2006

Jesse Joensuu, Right Wing, 18 (second round, 60th overall pick in 2006) currently with Assat (FIN)

Joensuu is a big kid at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds and is like a puppy that has grown to fast. But he has some raw tools to work with. He has shown flashes of good puck skills and skating ability, but he needs to continue to his acceleration. He is a project but if they are patient, it could be worthwhile.

Title: NYI FUTURE WATCH: Jesse Joensuu
Date: August 2, 2006, newyorkislanders.com

2006 Second Round Draft Pick

Jesse Joensuu is a big kid -- 6-4 -- but his size doesn't detract from his skating. His strength makes him effective along the boards and adaptable to the North American style of physical play. He's been a boy among men while playing in the Finnish Elite League and has more than held his own.

The Pori, Finnish native, who was drafted in the second round (60th overall) of the 2006 Entry Draft, had to wait a little longer to get drafted than he was hoping because he missed the cutoff of the 2005 Entry Draft by less than one month. The extra year, however, gave Joensuu a chance to continue his growth in the Finnish Elite League, where he was the youngest player during the 2004-2005 season.

Islanders Finnish scout Vellu Kautonen speaks highly of the left-handed shooting forward who is considered by many scouts to be "a can't miss" prospect.  Kautonen emphasizes how mature he is for his age, despite only being 18. Joensuu has played in the Finnish Elite League for two seasons and participated in two World Junior Championships. We sat down with Joensuu, who discussed the following topics.

On his Draft Day Experience:
"I had a late birthday in 1987, so I had to wait a year longer than most. After 40 names at this year's draft, I was starting to get nervous, so it was a relief when I finally heard my name. It was exciting to shake the hands at the Islanders table with guys like Ted Nolan and Vellu Kautonen who scouted me."

On his strengths:
"I have good size, but can still skate with speed. I like to go one-on-one with the defense. I try to play like Eric Staal and my countryman Olli  Jokinen because they are both good power forwards and they also have leadership qualities."

On what he needs to work:
"I would like to gain some more strength over the next couple of years. With the new NHL all about speed I would like to get faster. The most important part of skating is the acceleration, so I would like to get quicker feet. Playing a lot in the Finnish Elite League will help."

On his trip to Long Island:
"I have been to New York City before, but never Long Island. I like it here. There are much more people here than in Finland, but I could get used to the size and of course the fans."

On his goals:
"When I go back to Finland, I would like to stay in the Finnish Elite League. I'm happy up there. I get to play with a lot of older guys and learn a lot from them. I'm hoping to be a first or second line guy in the Finnish League, be an important part of my team and get better."

The Joensuu File
Favorite superpower: Teleporting

Green Day or Eminem? Eminem

All-time Favorite Islander: Janne Niinimaa  ( what? )

Favorite sports other than hockey: Tennis and Rugby

If you didn't play hockey what profession would you pursue? Teaching

Favorite European City (not in Finland): Budapest

Superman or Batman? Batman

Steak or Lobster? Steak

 

	Isles Select RW Jesse Joensuu 60th Overall
	July 24, 2006: From THN: RW Jesse Joensuu Born: October 5, 1987, Pori, Finland 2005-06: Assat (FIN) Shoots: Left ISS:  39th overall

No one's stock has fallen more in the last 18 months than that of Jesse Joensuu. The big, powerful forward who played in Finland's top league was the number 1 prospect for the 2006 draft according to International Scouting Services in October of 2004. Since then, however, he has accomlished little and his rating has plummeted. Joensuu represented his country at the world junior championship in Vancouver, but scouts say he didn't make a dent of an impression. "He had one good game--the bronze medal game--and that was it for me," one scout said. The biggest knock against Joensuu is his skating. But at least one scout isn't too worried. "People say he is a bad skater, but it's more about lack of strength and a bad stride," the scout said. "It looks like his legs are weak, but the games I saw where he played against men, he was fine." There is a feeling among scouts Joensuu will evolve in the mold of Tomas Holmstrom, which will attract attention from NHL teams even if his stock has fallen. "He is a real hard worker who goes naturally to the net," said another scout. Joensuu played a regular shift for Assat in the Finnish league.

Islanders Scouts: "We were very happy Jesse was still available in the second round," said Islanders Finnish scout Vellu Kautonen. "Jesse is a very good two-way player. He is mature for his age after playing for a number of years in the Finnish Elite League. Joensuu is a great addition because of his size, but also because of his skills," said Kautonen.

CSB: Has good hands and is good with the puck....good passer and playmaker....as a big man, he is at his best winning battles along the boards and in the corners....power-forward with a good shot....can play physical but does need more physical strength....could turn out to become an effective power-forward - if he can improve his over all game and speed....captain of the Finnish team at World Uner-18 Championships....played on Team Finland at 2006 World Junior Championships.

CSB Scouting Video
http://mfile.akamai.com/16532/wmv/nhl.do...uu_700.asx

Redline Report: Huge winger is a horse who battles and has good hands with the creativity of a much smaller man. Handles the puck well-has some dangle and can make moves off the rush. Biggest weapon in his arsenal is a dynamic, major league shot with a quick release--mayhave the heaviest shot in the entire draft. Needs to play with more initiative and aggression, but has great size which he uses to his advantage when battling for pucks down low and going to the net. The major issue is that his below average skating really works to limit his effectiveness. He's always a step behind the play, doesn't change directions well, and his first 2-3 steps are weak. Very strong on the puck when he gets inside the  offensive zone and impossible to move from the crease.

Facts: Joensuu was a teammate of Petteri Nokelainen on Team Finland at the 2005 WJC's in North Dakota.....an ISS scout in 2005 on who will go first overall in the 2006 Draft: "He(Michael Frolik) will have some strong competition from American phenom Phil Kessel, who reminds scouts of Mike Modano, and Finnish power forward Jesse Joensuu just may turn out to be the best of the bunch in the long run."....islesinfo.com: I saw an interesting comparison from someone on a message board from November of 2003. They compared Joensuu to Masi Marjamaki, who at the time had been drafted by Boston. The person, apparently from Finland, also said Joensuu was a bit more faster and had more potential. Marjamaki is also from Pori, Finland.

Joensuu was the kind of player in this tournament(2006 WJC) that showed flashes of brilliance but always left you wanting more. We love his size, strength and skating but we have to question his desire and his offensive skills. We aren't sure that he has potential as a second-line winger, and there are a few other guys in the draft that can fill that role that we like more. 

I noticed Joensuu, mainly because he was the one Finnish player not working very hard while his mates were much more determined. Joensuu obviously has the size, but he was basically cruising like Todd Bertuzzi on one of his 'off' days, and Jesse doesn't have the same great puck control.

Finland Beats USA to Win Bronze
January 6, 2006

Lauri Tukonen and Jesse Joensuu scored consecutive goals for Finland late in the third period to break a 2-2 tie.

Finland replied with two goals of themselves in the second period. Jari Sailio and then Jesse Joensuu, with his first of the game, turned the game in Finland’s favour.

Joensuu’s goal had quite some controversy. The puck came off the forward’s right hip and trickled in the net. After reviewing the play, Swedish referee Marcus Vinnerborg allowed the goal to stand.

The game was virtually behind the USA when Joensuu picked up a nice feed from Korpikoski to double Finland’s lead. Much to the delight of the anti-American crowd.

For the Finns, it is a return to the medal podium after missing the top three last year. It is the Finns' 13th medal overall at the U20 World Championship. Meanwhile, the Americans must settle for fourth place for the second straight year.

Finland – USA 4-2 (0-1;2-0;2-1)

0-1 12:11 Bobby Ryan
1-1 33:32 Jari Sailio
2-1 34:51 Jesse Joensuu (Lauri Korpikoski)
2-2 51:03 Jack Johnson (Phil Kessel, Bobby Ryan) PP
3-2 53:20 Lauri Tukonen (Lauri Korpikoski)
4-2 55:24 Jesse Joensuu (Matti Koistunen, Lauri Tukonen)

Goaltenders:
FIN: Tuukka Rask
USA: Cory Schneider

Finland doubles up U.S. for junior bronze
cbc.ca - Janaury 5, 2006

Jesse Joensuu scored two goals to lift Finland to a 4-2 upset victory over the United States in the bronze medal game at the world junior hockey championship Thursday. The Finns, who lost 6-5 to the U.S. in round-robin play, captured their 12th medal and sixth bronze of the 30-year competition.

In the second, it was all Finland when Jari Sailio and Joensuu scored just over 1:20 apart to give the blue and white a 2-1 lead entering the third period.

Joensuu, considered one of the top European prospects for the 2006 NHL entry draft, pocketed the go-ahead goal when Schneider kicked out a juicy rebound off Lauri Korpikoski's backhand shot.

The puck hit Joensuu and went into the net. The goal was reviewed but officials could not find any kicking motion by Joensuu.

A FINE FINNISH: JOENSUU’S PAIR PACES FINLAND PAST USA FOR BRONZE
Finland 4 - United States 2

Bronze Medal
Thursday, January 5, 2006
12:00 PAC
Vancouver, BC
GM Place

By John Kurucz - hockeycanada.ca

With a gutsy effort, Finland defeated the USA 4-2 to claim third place Thursday afternoon at GM Place. It was Finland’s fourth bronze in the last five years at the IIHF World Junior Championships.

Jesse Joensuu led the way with two goals, while Lauri Tukonen had a goal and an assist. Jari Sailio had the other Finnish tally, and Lauri Korpikoski added two helpers.

Bobby Ryan and Jack Johnson replied for the USA.

Tuukka Rask put in yet another strong performance in goal for Finland, stopping 37 of 39 shots. The USA’s Cory Schneider was also busy, making 45 saves on 49 shots.

This was the second consecutive fourth-place finish for the Americans. Though favoured in advance by many to win gold, they will now go home surprisingly empty-handed.

Finland had the game’s first dangerous chance 30 seconds in. A deft Lauri Korpikoski centering pass found Jesse Joensuu in the slot, but his shot was turned aside by Schneider’s left pad.

As if on cue, Nathan Davis charged right back for the Americans on the same shift, but his wrist shot from the left boards was handled by Rask.

Bobby Ryan followed suit with a flash of brilliance just after the nine-minute mark. The speedy winger somehow took a pass that was well behind him and feathered the puck between his legs to his stick, but his low shot was stopped by Rask.

The Finns countered with two excellent scoring chances in the following two minutes. The tandem of Korpikoski and Joensuu teamed up again, but Korpikoski’s hard centering pass from the left corner was too high and too hard for Joensuu to handle.

At 12:11 a defensive lapse in the Finnish zone led to the game’s first goal. After being left all alone on the right side of the Finnish net, Bobby Ryan banged home his second chance to give the Americans the 1-0 lead.

At 16:57, a thunderous hit by Nate Gerbe knocked Risto Korhonen out of the contest, and the Finnish blueliner appeared to be favouring his right knee as he was helped off the ice.

The Finns opened up the second period with an abbreviated minute-long power play, as a result of Jack Johnson’s late first period roughing penalty.

Seppanen’s screened offering from the point was Team Finland’s best chance with the man-advantage, but his shot sailed directly into the chest of a surprised Schneider.

Then at 3:30, TJ Oshie broke over the Finnish blueline with only one defender back. His lovely inside-outside move fooled Seppanen, but once in the clear, Oshie fired his shot over the net.

From there, however, the Finns began to take control. At 13:32, miscommunication by the American defence led to Finland’s first goal. With Oshie off for hooking, the Americans failed to clear the puck out of their zone, and this time Sailio made them pay. The Finnish winger picked up the puck all alone to Schneider’s left, and banged home his second chance to tie the game 1-1.

That goal seemed to spur on the Finns, and at 14:51 they were back looking for more.

In what started as a harmless looking play, Korpikoski fired a backhand from the right side boards, but Schneider’s rebound deflected off of a streaking Joensuu right back into the net. The goal appeared to go in off Joensuu’s right hip, and so the play was reviewed. But after less than two minutes of deliberation, referee Marcus Vinnerborg pointed to centre ice, and the score was 2-1 Finland.

Starting the third period, the Americans came out hard. The line of Phil Kessel, Chris Bourque, and Kevin Porter hemmed the Finns in their own zone for the opening 30 seconds. Kessel’s failed wraparound attempt to Rask’s glove side was the best chance of the shift.

Finland’s best chance with the man advantage came from Lauri Tukonen, as the winger just failed to connect with a Sailio feed from the right corner.

Then at 7:20 Korpikoski missed a glorious opportunity to give his team a two-goal lead. The versatile centre was the late man on a 2-on-1 rush and just missed potting home the rebound from a Tukonen shot.

With Teemu Laakso off for tripping at 11:03, a Jack Johnson point shot beat Rask cleanly to the lower left portion of the net, tying the game 2-2.

But the Finns just wouldn’t quit.

Tukonen took advantage of a broken play in the high slot at 13:20, and fired home a quick wrister to give the Finns a 3-2 lead.

The Finns padded their lead at 15:24, deflating the Americans. Positioned at the top of the left face-off circle, Joensuu took a nice feed from Korpikoski before rifling home a screened slap shot past Schneider’s left pad.

hockeycanada.ca

January 5, 2006

Jesse Joensuu, Finland: It’s very big. This is my first medal. I have never won a medal with my team or for the national team. I didn’t play my first period well, but of course I have to be happy when I score two goals--one ugly, one average. (following Finland's 4-2 defeat of Team USA for the Bronze)

January 3, 2006

Ryan O’Marra was sent off for high-sticking early in the third, and during the Finnish power play, Pogge had to be sharp to get his pad on a Jesse Joensuu one-timer from the high slot. (Canada defeated Finland 4-0)

December 30, 2005

They(Finland) have only 51 shots on goal, including one shot apiece from highly touted forwards, Perttu Lindgren and Jesse Joensuu, and that needs to improve too. None of the team’s players have a positive plus-minus rating, with Joensuu at a team-worst -3. (Prior to Finland's 9-1 defeat of Norway; Joensuu recorded an assist)

December 23, 2005

Jesse Joensuu will be watched closely by scouts at this tournament(2006 WJC), as the 6-4, 194-pound power forward is considered Finland’s top 2006 draft-eligible prospect, although he’s not quite in the same class as the USA’s Phil Kessel or Michael Frolik of the Czech Republic.

More game action would boost Joensuu
THN - May 10, 2005

Jesse Joensuu became the youngest player ever to take the ice in the Finnish Elite League when he donned the Assat sweater of his hometown, Pori, last season.

This year, the son of an elite soccer player was supposed to take the next step, which he did

Only, it hasn’t worked out as he had wished it would.

Maybe it’s because Jason Williams, a locked out NHLer from Detroit joined the team, maybe it’s just growing pains, but the 6’3” and 198-pound Joensuu was stuck in the Assat fourth line.

“I wish I had got to play more in the Elite League,” said Joensuu, the fifth-rated prospect for the 2006 NHL draft according to International Scouting Services. “But the truth is, I haven’t played well enough to make the coach put me on the ice. Even if I had gotten a better chance to show myself, I know I’d have to show that I can play in a men’s league.”

Joensuu has practiced and played with the Assat Elite League team all season, getting just one goal in 38 games. He also played 13 junior games. 

“It was always an adjustment getting back to the Elite League team,” Joensuu said. “I could, for example, play 30 minutes in a junior game on a Tuesday, and then only a few with the Elite League on Thursday. The junior games reminded me of how much fun it is to really play hockey.”

Not that this season has been a waste. As Joensuu’s agent Markus Lehto notes, Joensuu improved and developed every aspect of his game.

Playing in the elite league has improved Joensuu’s defensive game. Also, even his size was not an issue last season, his age was. Today, Joensuu is more comfortable along the boards. 

Joensuu was one of two 17-year-olds on the Finnish team that finished fifth at the World Junior Championship. He scored just one goal in the tournament, but it was a big one. 

Finland trailed Sweden 4-1 after two periods, but managed to get two early goals in the third period when Lauri Korpikoski scored with 2.26 left to tie it, and Joensuu scored the winner ten seconds later. 

Joensuu represented Finland in Plzen, Czech Republic at the World Under-18 Championship, scoring two goals and three points in six games.

“I really want to play a lot, especially, since I had a minor knee injury in January, too,” Joensuu said. “I feel my puck control and stick handling aren’t as good as they were before, so I hope playing more with the juniors will help with that.”

Joensuu’s plans may take him to Canada this fall. 

“If there is no change, and I know that I will play in the fourth line next season, I have to try to get some ice time in another league somewhere,” said Joensuu who will surely be a h igh pick in the Canadian Hockey League’s import draft this summer. “I have an option in my contract that I can leave to play major junior in Canada, and yes, it is tempting.”

cbc.ca - December 30, 2004

2005 WJC's: The first time was an exhibition game in Winnipeg, when Canada skated away with an easy 6-0 victory. The Finnish players attributed the loss to jetlag. "It was a time (zone) thing," said forward Jesse Joensuu.

U20: Joensuu, Frolik shine in tight matchup
eliteprospects.com - November 11, 2004

A minute later Finland’s top line, that included Lauri Tukonen, 2006 prospect Jesse Joensuu and the previously mentioned Nokelainen, had a great shift. Tukonen displayed strong skating and technical skills entering the Czech zone and almost putting the puck past Koutsky. A moment later Nokelainen, with a backhand shot, nearly accomplished what Tukonen failed to, but it took until 16.11 before Finland managed to tie the game.

After some initial clumsiness by Arsi Piispanen, Finland managed to put some pressure on the play and 2006 draft eligible Jesse Joensuu stepped into the action. He had a mediocre first period being outshined by linemates Tukonen and Nokelainen, but now he showed fine playmaking ability leading the powerplay. However, there the Finns did not manage to put the puck past Koutsky and once the penalty was over the Czechs came back strong again, but not for long. After little more than 10 minutes of play Joensuu found Nokelainen with a slick pass behind his back and Nokelainen all alone with Koutsky tried to put the puck up high, but was robbed.

Jesse Joensuu – After a slow start, Joensuu was among the more noticeable players in the second and third period. Had good creativity and passing skills and had some big hits as well. On the downside Joensuu did have some problems with quick turns and was not too successful in his forecheck.

Jesse Joensuu WJC's Gallery Start Over