What Arttu Karki brings to the table for the Vegas Golden Knights
Arttu Karki's offensive prowess comes from numerous areas. For one, he's strong off the rush, coming in hot on any play. He moves and skates well, possessing decent shooting and puckhandling abilities. All this makes him a potent offensive player, serving as a complimentary piece on the attack.
While the Finnish defensemen does have some great playmaking skills, there are some deficiencies to his game. For example, his pace of play isn't consistent. Sometimes, he'll lag behind the play and come from behind, leaving his team at a disadvantage. That can throw off his teammates on both the offensive and defensive end.
There are also turnover problems that go with his pace of play. He's struggled with staying in the moment and reading the play, resulting in turning the puck over. Managing his gaps on a regular basis will also move him closer to the NHL level.
Luckily, there are two factors that'll help him in his journey. One, he's 19 years old, which allows him to grow his game. Two, he'll transition over to the top league in Finland starting next season. These two factors should help him become an NHL-ready prospect and develop his knack for the game.
Where Karki projects
Currently, Arttu Karki projects to be a second/third-pairing defenseman, with his offensive skills standing out. As mentioned, he could be a future replacement for Shea Theodore if the veteran leaves next summer or sooner. The Finnish prospect can handle the power play well and facilitates the rush great.
However, consistency will be the main thing for Karki. That includes better pace of play, regulating his turnovers, and closing his gaps more. Tweaking his defensive style will also help him grow into his game. He isn't projected to do much in the big leagues now, especially at his young age.
Still, the good news is he has time to grow. He's 19 years old and will start playing in Finland's top league, Liiga, next season. The exposure to NHL-ready talent will help him become a better all-around player, making him more viable in the league. If he can develop consistency in Finland, he can become more than a second/third-pairing player.