Winnipeg Jets Number Six Prospect: Joel Armia
Here we go at number 6 on our countdown with Right Winger Joel Armia (not the political right wing). What makes Joel Armia deserving of the number sixth spot on our countdown? What is going to make him such a valuable player for the Winnipeg Jets in the years to come?
Joel Armia is no stranger to hockey, as he has been playing since his days with his Finnish under 16 club (2006). Since Armia has stats stretching back over 10 years it would be easier to discuss those he has amassed in recent seasons in the AHL and the NHL.
Armia was drafted in 16th overall during the first round in 2011 by the Buffalo Sabres. He played for the Sabres AHL affiliate (Rochester Americans) and the Manitoba Moose, as well the St. Johns Ice Caps (both affiliated with the Winnipeg Jets). During his career in the AHL he has seen himself go 19-41-60 in over 108 games played. Armia played one game in Buffalo during the past season; however, he didn’t amass any stats other then a game played. Of course, the Jets acquired Armia in this trade with the Sabres where we acquired Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford (you may have heard about it, but probably not).
Winnipeg Jets
Armia was boasted about in his scouting reports,
“A large forward, Armia plays a simple and solid game. He likes to head towards the net and is very strong in one-on-one situations. Armia is extremely dangerous in the slot where he can create space for himself with a simple deke and then use his sharp and accurate shot to finish the play. Armia has good stickhandling and puck skills but could share the puck more often. He has built his physique well and added a new dimension to his game with improved defensive skills.” -Matias Strozyk
“He’s big and tall but surprisingly mobile for a player of his size. He’s a sniper with a good selection of shots. You might have to look for him during some shifts, but then, suddenly, he scores the winner. He has a very good feel for the game and moving the puck well with his linemates. He has a heavy wrist shot that he gets off quickly and is always looking for the empty spots on the ice.” -Goran Stubb
Frozen Future’s writer Marisa Ingemi even discussed the prospects the Jets got from the Sabres in an article 23 weeks ago,
“Armia was the 16th overall pick in 2011 to the Sabres. The 21 year old had 25 points so far this season with the Rochester Americans and he had 27 total last season. He’s a big guy at 6’3 and creates space for himself and likes to charge the net. Some scouts have gone as far as to call him a ‘sniper’.” -Marisa Ingemi
You can check out that article here.
What do you guys think? Are these scouting reports right? Is Armia a sniper who will be of great use for the Jets in coming years? Is he worthy of the Sixth spot on our countdown? Comment below and join in on the discussion!
Next: Winnipeg Jets Number Seven Prospect: Jack Roslovic
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