With their final selection of the draft (No. 195), the Blackhawks selected Janne Peltonen – the only defensemen they picked this year. He was with Kärpät in the Finnish league last season, splitting time between both the U18 and U20 levels with the club. Peltonen had one goal and three assists in six games with U18 SM-sarja before being moved up to U20 SM-sarja where he picked up nine points (3 G, 6 A) in 40 games while in a top-four role. Peltonen also had another two goals and two assists in 13 international games for Finland last year.
Peltonen is perhaps the most raw player the Blackhawks have selected yet, but there is some upside with his frame (6-foot-3) and defensive foundation. He’s been limited offensively and his skating is considered below average currently, but the former isn’t always necessary in a defensemen and the latter can be developed. Peltonen’s defensive showing for Finland on the international stage seems to the highlight of his young career so far.
our last pick! (he is real we just don't have a picture of him 🙂) pic.twitter.com/scuxCuJYu8
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 29, 2023
Want to add that Karpat U20 LHD Janne Peltonen (2023/2005) easily could have been named Finland's best player. Big, rangy, heady puck rusher whose coaches at every level seem to give him the green light. Playing 20 mins a night for one of the SM-Sarja's best defensive teams. https://t.co/WSIpRXL5pL
— Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) November 10, 2022