Preds Land Incredible Value in Kemell, Picked 17th Overall at NHL Draft

The Nashville Predators front office may have gone into the 2022 NHL Draft on Thursday looking to make a steal at No. 17 overall, but ended up with what may well qualify as grand theft.
The 'stolen goods' in question: 18-year-old Joakim Kemell - a Finnish-born, 5-foot-11, 171-pound right winger who plays a fast-paced, creative style of hockey and finds the back of the net with ease and regularity.

"He's a talented offensive player who can beat you in a lot of different ways," Predators Assistant General Manager/Director of Scouting Jeff Kealty said. "He's very strong on his feet, he can play in traffic, and he's got an excellent shot and release. He can score in a lot of different ways. He has top-six ability and the ability to produce at the National Hockey League level."

In his rookie 2021-22 season with the Finnish Liiga's JYP, Kemell tallied 23 points (15g-8a) in 39 appearances.
Kemell then led the Finnish U18 national team to a bronze medal as alternate captain, recording eight points (6g-2a) in five games.
"He's versatile, but the first thing about him is that he's a goal scorer," Predators European Scout Janne Kekalainen said. "He's an extremely confident kid and has a presence and swagger about him. He can shoot from all places and knows how to finish."
Still not convinced? Kemell entered the draft Thursday ranked second overall among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
Not bad at all for pick No. 17.
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There's also plenty to get excited about when you consider the incredible talent Finnish hockey has delivered to the Music City over the years.
There's Pekka Rinne - the winningest Finnish-born goaltender in NHL history, whose jersey became the first retired in franchise history - and Juuse Saros, a Vezina Trophy finalist in his first season as starting netminder.
Then there's alternate captain Mikael Granlund and promising young talent Eeli Tolvanen, who would likely join Kemell on the front end of the ice.
Kemmel, who watched them all play growing up, says he's looking forward to possibly skating with his fellow countrymen in the near future.
With his reputation and his on-ice resume, Smashville may not have to wait too terribly long for that to happen.