Julius Saari
2024-25 Team: Jokerit (Mestis)
Date of Birth: Mar 7, 2007
Place of Birth: Vantaa, Finland
Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defenseman
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible
Rankings
- FC Hockey: 45th
- McKeen’s Hockey: 173rd
- NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings (EU Skaters): 45th
Julius Saari is a defensive defenseman who skates well for his size. He tends to play back to prevent the breakout on him and doesn’t do too much in the offensive zone. He has a good stick and holds his gaps well on guys coming into the defensive zone. He needs to become a little more physical as time goes on, but he is still good at winning puck battles in deep despite this.
Saari does have a nice wrister from the blue line—not too heavy of a shot, but it can go in when there’s traffic in front. That said, he needs to work on becoming a two-way defenseman. There’s not much offensive production in his game right now.
Saari began his junior career in 2021–22 with Kiekko-Vantaa U16, posting five points in 32 games. In 2022–23, he joined Jokerit U16, where he showed flashes of offensive growth with 11 points in 18 games, and added a goal in three playoff appearances. That same season, he split time with Jokerit U18, notching five points in 21 games, and then represented Finland U16 internationally, recording one point in 12 games.
Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 3/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 4/10, Defense – 8/10
Awards/Achievements
- U16 Pohjola Camp All-Star Team
- U18 SM-sarja Champion
Interviews/Links
Julius Saari Stats
Videos
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