Much attention has been paid to top 2026 d-men draft prospects Keaton Verhoeff of the University of North Dakota, the Soo Greyhounds’ Chase Reid, EHC Munchen’s (DEL in Germany) Albert Smits, and HV71’s (SHL) Malte Gustaffson. As exceptional as those players are, blueliner Samu Alalauri (#19 among international skaters per NHL Central Scouting) of the Pelicans U20 team in Finland is quietly enjoying an excellent draft year as well. He had 25 points (6G 19A) in 40 games at the U20 level this season, and will attend the University of Massachusetts in 2027-28. Currently, Alalauri is competing with his U20 team in the playoffs.
Alalauri is renowned for his size (6’3″ 205 LBS.), strength and skating ability, all of which are quite developed for a player of his age. To that end, after an outstanding U17 World Hockey Challenge last season, he competed as an underager for Finland’s U18 world junior team last spring. He definitely will occupy a roster spot on Finland’s 2027 world junior team.
Although he possesses good offensive instincts, his defense-first mentality and attention to detail lend themselves nicely to providing both a skillful and reliable option on the back-end. In short, he is a classic shut-down defender who uses his fluidity and leg drive to impose his will in all three zones.