Selected by the Maple Leafs in the second round (No. 59) of the 2017 NHL Draft, the right-handed shooting defenseman has the size and strength to play a physical style. He began playing hockey around age 10, late compared to most players who become top prospects, but always has been a defenseman who has embraced the physical side of the game.
At 6-foot-7, 208 pounds, Rasanen, 18, joked he's "too big to be a forward," but said feels his physicality helps give him the time and space to contribute offensively.
"I like to play a two-way game, definitely the offensive side of the game but maybe more focus on the defensive," Rasanen said.
He moved to North America last season from his native Finland, and had 39 points (six goals, 33 assists) with 41 penalty minutes in 66 games with Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League, and had five points (one goal, four assists) in 11 OHL playoff games. Rasanen said last season also showed him that the North American ice surface, which allows him to use his size and physicality to a greater advantage, is better for him.
During the first day of Maple Leafs development camp earlier this month, Rasanen spent time working with Barb Underhill, a former world champion figure skater who is a skating consultant for Toronto. At 4-foot-11, Underhill stood about two feet shorter than Rasanen.