The Finnish forward has been playing impressive hockey this season, showcasing a notable offensive performance with 11 goals in 45 games, including another scored yesterday against the Lightning.
He represents the type of depth addition that Stanley Cup contenders look for, thanks to various aspects of his gameplay that shine during playoff hockey, including his defensive play, puck protection, physical presence in one-on-one battles, and his knack for scoring close to the net.
This development would have seemed unlikely at the start of the season, when the 30-year-old veteran was demoted to the Laval Rocket. However, since then, he has played with greater consistency, and his performances have been very beneficial to Martin St-Louis.
If it weren't for his hefty salary of $3.4M for another season, there would likely be a larger market for him right now. It will be interesting to see if Kent Hughes can find a trade partner by the trade deadline.
