Watch: Highlights of Flames 1st round pick Juuso Valimaki (VIDEO)

Meet the future of the Flames blue line.

With the 16th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago, Calgary selected Finnish defenceman Juuso Valimaki.

The 18-year-old left shot rearguard played the last two seasons with Tri-City in the WHL. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound d-man piled up points, scoring 61 (19-42-61) in 60 games.

Scouting report (International Scouting Service):

Valimaki is one of the top two-way defenders in this year’s draft. He logs a lot of minutes for Tri-City and is relied on in every situation. He is a smooth skating and very mobile defender hat has an effortless skating stride. He has good vision and composure from the back end and rarely panics or turns the puck over. He is not afraid to join the rush to try to create offence for his team, but he picks his spots very well. Stands up at the blueline forcing the play – confidence in his mobility. Uses his partner well. Communicates well. Covers for his partner when he is in trouble. Needs to be more consistent overall, he can disappear for long periods of time.

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