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With the 2016 draft just over a week away, we’re going to highlight a few players the Sharks could be targeting for their first pick late in the second round. San Jose has the 60th pick in the draft. The first round will be held on June 24 in Buffalo with the remainder of the draft scheduled for June 25.
Other draft profiles:
Name: Markus Niemelainen
Position: Defense
Born: June 6, 1998
Birthplace: Kuopio, Finland
Height: 6’6
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Left
TSN Pick Projection: 58th
Assets
Niemelainen just wrapped up his rookie season with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit after coming over from Finland. He scored 1 goal and had 26 assists in 65 games played for the Spirit. Niemelainen is huge, which can only be a good thing for a defender. He plays a shutdown style of defense and has a good shot from the point.
Flaws
This has become a theme with these profiles: Niemelainen will need to bulk up before making it to the NHL. The offensive side of his game needs work all around.
Career Potential
2nd pairing defenseman (via The Hockey Writers)