Janne Pesonen looks forward to his new team. The NHL is a big step for any rookie. Look for Pesonen on the third line. If he progresses well enough the future is birght. When he adapts Sidney Crosby may have a new winger.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially announced today of the signing of Finnish All-Star Janne Pesonen. GM Ray Shero made the announcement:
“Pesonen is a quick, skilled player that has had much success in the Finnish Elite League. We look forward to watching him perform at his first NHL training camp.”
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The Penguins are giving the Finnish prodigy a one-year, two-way contract that the Finland league demanded.
Janne Pesonen was last year's point leader for Oulu Kaprat. Pesonen had 78 points in 56 games, including 34 goals. He won four league championships, and was named playoff MVP in 2007.
Janne Pesonen wore number 20 in Finland, and is only 5-11 180 pounds. Pesonen is known for his great speed and shooting skills. In his career in Finland, Pesonen had 216 points in 285 games—94 of which were goals.
Pesonen was drafted in the ninth round in 2004 by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Janne Pesonen has great speed, similar to Martin St. Louis.
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about 1 month ago
I am an avid Penguins fan. But do you think he could produce along side Sidney Crosby? He has not proved himself yet and I dont believe he will play along side Sid. Maybe a 3rd or 4th liner. I don't know what do you think?
about 1 month ago
I wouldn't say he'll be slotted next to Crosby right away, but if he does excel in an offensive role he could be moved up.
about 1 month ago
Hey Derek, you are 100% right Pesonen hasn't proved himself yet and thats why training camp is going to be huge. The pens have a lot of new faces. As for Pesonen, I have seen him play and he is good... very good, however, that was in Oulu the Finnish league, The NHL is a huge step if he adapts then the pens are a big threat. When I watched him play I was impressed... he reminded me of Martin St. Louis for the Tamoa Bay Lightning, but he is not ready yet. As for what line he will be on, that all depends. Im pretty sure he will play on the 3rd line, which means he'll play with Kennedy and maybe not Staal if they move staal to play with Malkin. If he progress well and resigns then he could be an impressive scorer next to Sid the Kid. (i couldnt find a good picture of Pesonen so I put Sidney since he is the face of the our Pens.)
about 1 month ago
Guys,
I agree that Pesonen probably won't be on a line with Sid right away... but, the question Derek posed "do you think he could produce alongside Sidney Crosby?" is an easy answer.
Just ask Ryan Malone, Mark Recchi, Pascal Dupuis, Colby Armstrong, Max Talbot, and the others who have played with him-- Sid MAKES everyone else around him produce, and he does it well, which is why he is regarded by almost all as the best playmaker in the game.
Justin, I helped you out with the pic, hope you like it.
Let's GO Pens
about 1 month ago
Eric,
Your are also 100% right anyone can produce if they are by that kinda talent, which is why Hossa leaving is a big mistake. I am starting to believe he is going to have a hard time playing in detroit. He will play on a line along said Henrik Zetterberg, who I hold in the highest respect, however, Zetterberg is very similiar to Hossa in that he is a scorer, Hossa will be looking for the pass but Zetterberg would have already scored. If he had stayed with crosby who knows what would have happened.
I did a little scouting on this 26 year old star Pesonen, and what i found was very impressive. At 180 he is no fighter like our new agitator Cooke but he has unmatched speed. He is just now hitting his prime at 26 and is much like Martin St. Louis and Mark Recchi (in his younger years). When he blooms it will be a glorious day in Pittsburgh.
about 1 month ago
Eric,
Thanks for the picture I couldn't find one here and the upload failed.
about 1 month ago
With Pesonen, Satan, Fedetenko, Cooke, and Goddard, i think that we have easily replaced malone (satan), Adam Hall (Fedetenko), Ruutu (Cooke), and Laraque (Goddard). But we have to wait and see if Hossa will be replaced by Pesonen. Doubt it will happen this year, but who knows in the years to come. Here is my future prediction for the lines.
Line 1
Satan Crosby Dupuis
Line 2
Staal Malkin Sykora
Line 3
Kennedy Talbot Fedetenko
Line 4
Cooke Pesonen Goddard
about 1 month ago
why wasn't this guy in the draft? he was a star in finland
from about 1 month ago
please disregard this comment lol im an idiot
about 1 month ago
Just thought it would be funny to point out that the Red Wings signed Finnish Elite League points leader, Ville Leino, back in May. Still better, still a step ahead.
about 1 month ago
correction: second in points, but he did win the League MVP. My mistake.
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