• Valimaki was named to the WHL’s (West) Second All-Star team after tallying 19-42—61 in 60 GP with Tri-City in 2016-17. His 19 goals ranked fourth among WHL blueliners and along with Islanders prospect Parker Wotherspoon (10-56—66 in 69 GP) the Americans were the only team in the WHL to have two defensemen register at least 60 points in 2016-17.

• After being selected 14th overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft, Valimaki ranked second among Tri-City rookies with 7-25—32 in 2015-16 (56 GP).

• Valimaki won the Heino Pulli Award in 2013-14, awarded to the Rookie of the Year in Finland’s under-18 league, after posting 7-26—33 in 44 games with Ilves’ under-18 club. Other notable players to win the award in recent years include Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi and Maple Leafs forward Kasperi Kapanen.

• Internationally, Valimaki represented Finland at the 2017 World Junior Championship (2-0—2 in 6 GP) and helped his country earn a gold medal at the 2016 Under-18 World Championship (0-2—2 in 6 GP).

• Lists former NHL player and fellow Finland native Teemu Selanne as his childhood hockey idol.


GETTING TO KNOW JUUSO:

If I could "Carpool Karaoke" with any celebrity it would be: Michael Rasmussen

TV show I recently binge-watched: One Tree Hill

The app I spend too much time on: Twitter

At an all-you-can-eat buffet I go straight for the: Meat

The coolest person I've ever met: Finnish President

Athlete I admire most: Jaromir Jagr

One thing people don't usually know about me: Enjoy Playing Cards

If I could be any superhero I would be: The Flash

I am inspired by: My Parents

I am afraid of: Heights

I dream of: Playing in the NHL


JUUSO’S GO-TO EMOJI: