Looking ahead to the 2019 Draft: Ville Heinola

MONTREAL - With the 2019 NHL Draft approaching, here are some options which could be of interest to the Canadiens, who hold the 15th pick in the first round. Today: defenseman Ville Heinola.

Player profile
Stats
Heinola won the World Junior Championship this past winter with Finland. The defenseman also had a strong showing during the World Under-18 Hockey Championship in April, finishing with four points in five games.

When he was only 17 years old, Heinola started playing in Finland's Liiga last season. In his first campaign in the men's league, the 2019 Draft hopeful collected two goals for 14 points in 34 games.

Expert opinion
"The 18-year-old is an excellent skater with hockey sense and playmaking ability. Heinola plays in all situations as an 18-year-old in Finland's top pro league, has good hockey sense and the patience to make plays with confidence." -Mike G. Morreale, NHL Central Scouting Bureau
"The left-shot defenseman was part of a very strong group that helped Finland win the gold medal at the WJC. His intelligence and his understanding of the game allow him to stand out." -Guillaume Lepage, NHL Central Scouting Bureau