Nhl's take on Pesonen

Janne Pesonen (LW), Pittsburgh
Age: 26; Nationality: Finnish; Height: 5-11; Weight: 180
2007-08 stats: 56 games, 34-44-78, 58 PIM (Karpat Oulu)
Acquired: Signed as a free agent on July 7, 2008.
Contract: One-year contract.

Notes -- Pesonen has won four league championships with Karpat and scored 16 points (7-9) in the 2008 playoffs. In 2007, he was the playoff MVP with 7 points (4-3) in 9 games. Pesonen was named Rookie of the Year in 2003-04, notching 30 points (17-13) in 56 contests. He has played in 285 career games in the Finnish Elite League, collecting 216 points (94-122), along with 200 penalty minutes. Pesonen has also appeared in 62 playoff games, registering 31 points (18-13) and 32 penalty minutes.

“Pesonen is a quick, skilled player that has had much success in the Finnish Elite League,” Penguins GM Fred Shero told PittsburghPenguins.com. “We look forward to watching him perform at his first NHL training camp.”

He was originally selected by Anaheim in the ninth round, No. 269, in the 2004 Entry Draft.

Risto’s take: Pesonen is fast and quick. Sometimes too fast for the defensemen, and sometimes too fast for the referee which is why he has earned himself a reputation as a diver, but he doesn’t do that as often as he’s accused of it. Pesonen won the scoring title in the Finnish Elite League last season thanks to his creative play, and his ability to always find a way to get past the defenseman. He’s a good hockey player, and he was a great player in the Finnish league, although he did fade in the finals. I’d be surprised if he manages to play a regular shift in Pittsburgh. He’s got speed, but not Sami Kapanen (1990s) speed. He’s skilled, but no Malkin or Datsyuk. So, probably first to the AHL.

Risto’s comparable NHL player: Martin St. Louis