November Canes Prospect Profile: Janne Kuokkanen

Welcome to the Canes Prospect Profile, pres. by Uber, a new monthly feature here on
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Each month we'll take a look at the top-performing Canes prospects across the minor leagues. This month, it's Finnish Checkers forward Janne Kuokkanen, who led Charlotte with 12 points (3g, 9a) in 13 games through November 30.

Last month, I spoke with Sergei Samsonov, the Hurricanes' head of Forwards Development, about Kuokkanen's start to the 2018-19 season.
"This is another guy who has gained a lot of confidence over the last year," Samsonov said. "Janne is getting used to playing against men in general … when he has the puck, he wants the puck."
And he scored goals like this.

Add a dash more confidence to an already self-assured Kuokkanen and you've got a guy who wastes no time extending his two-game point streak to a third, notching the primary assist on Morgan Geekie's first-period, power-play goal on Nov. 2.

Then he did it again the next night on Trevor Carrick's first-period, power-play goal. That's four games.

The Checks would take a quick break and get back to action on Nov. 9. Kuokkanen earned a helper on Saku Maenalanen's goal 5:19 into the first. Five games.

Later that night, he'd score a goal of his own for good measure.

Kuokkanen would extend that streak to seven games (10/26-11/11: 3g, 6a), until he was ultimately held off the scoresheet in the Checkers' OT loss to Lehigh Valley on Nov. 14.
And then he'd go on another four-game point streak (11/16-11/21: 1g, 4a).

Checkers Head Coach Mike Vellucci credited this success to the maturity, intelligence and confidence the 20-year-old Finn has gained over the last year and change.
"Kuokkanen was 19 in the AHL last year, which is really difficult - not many guys can do that," Vellucci said. "He's got his points because he's doing everything we've asked, and he's doing it the right way."
Kuokkanen, who is averaging more than a point per game (1.04), is a hit on special teams, too. His six power-play goals and seven power-play assists rank tied for second and fifth in the AHL, respectively.
"He is on the top power play for a reason," Checkers Head Coach Mike Vellucci said of the forward. "[Kuokkanen] is a guy the puck follows. It doesn't hurt that he's one of the smartest guys on the ice."
Which is why Kuokkanen got the call-up to Raleigh on Wednesday morning. With Jordan Staal (concussion) on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 5, Kuokkanen is expected to contribute some much-needed offensive prowess for the Canes.
"Like a lot of guys, Kuokks is gonna play even better with even better players," Vellucci said. "He's only gonna get better. He is doing exactly everything we want him to do."
The Checkers are off to their best 26-game start in team history with a 19-6-1 record and 39 points in the AHL standings, breaking the previous record of 33 points in their first 26 games last season. The Checkers' power play ranks 12th in the AHL at 20.8%, while the penalty kill ranks tied for eighth in the league at 84.0%.
ONE TO WATCH
Since Vellucci moved Martin Necas (4g, 6a through 13 games in November) to the right wing on Nov. 21, the Czech forward has posted 12 points (4g, 8a), including this OT winner:

And this game winner:

"Moving Marty to the wing freed him up to create chances," Vellucci said. "His offense started off a little lacking, but the move seems to give him a boost of confidence offensively."
"We're really excited about his growth."
Indeed.

FROM THE FARM
Ever wanted to throw a plush toy on the ice while giving to "a variety of local organizations" AT THE SAME TIME? The Checkers' annual Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Novant Health, will take place Saturday, Dec. 15, during the 6 p.m. game against the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Click here for more information!