Detroit Red Wings Sign Finnish Prospect Ville Leino

The Red Wings lost out on the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes, but their consolation prize might prove just as valuable.Finnish forward Ville Leino signed a one-year entry level contract with Detroit on Saturday.

The 24-year old recently won the Oskanen Award, given to the league's best player over the regular season. He tied a record for the most points for a forward in the Finnish Elite league when he recorded 28 goals and 77 points in only 55 games.

It is speculated that Leino will have to earn his playing time with the Wings, as a Top Six position won't be handed over on a deep Detroit lineup. That's the reason why Brunnstrom decided not sign in the Motor City.

Just like Brunnstrom, Leino has been labeled as a classic late bloomer. Possessed with great skating and deft stickhandling, Leino, who is a natural centre but can also line up on the wing, has been described as more of a playmaker than sniper, who may need some work on the defensive side.

For a team that has a tremendous reputation for polishing diamonds in the rough, the Wings may have found themselves another gem.

Henry Dyck