Jesse Pulkkinen: The 2024 NHL Draft's Unicorn - Scouting Report & Analysis

Jesse Pulkkinen is a 6-foot-6, 216-pound defenseman who went from being undrafted in 2023 to being one of the top defensemen in the 2024 NHL Draft. A look at what makes him so unique, and why teams shouldn't be afraid to select this overaged prospect in the first round.
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[@matthewcarbone2108]

Welcome to the Islanders!

[@SharksOregon]

I’ll love to pick up this guy in the 2nd round for the sharks at 33-35

[@jaym7932]

LGI

[@Vanhapjuuma]

I'm a fan of JYP and have been watching Jesse play for a full season, and he's pretty much all the things that has been mentioned in this video. One negative thing about his play is the over-confident plays that he makes time to time, which are too often dangerous ones as well. This happens with and without the puck. However, I think this is a thing he can get rid of when he matures as a player. Overall I'd say he has all it takes to become a solid d-man in the NHL, but it might take some time.

[@jeremy.fordavon4030]

Nice pick by the Islanders. He can be Pelech's replacement.

[@kevinscott9242]

How did Pulkkinen slide to the late 2nd rd? I get he's an overager but he's 6'6 physical, stick handling 2-way monster. It's not far-fetched to think the Isles got 2 of the Top 15 prospects of the Draft w/ Pulkkinen & Eiserman

[@yeright2pops434]

Super star!!

[@Mralanyrx]

I think his skating needs a lot of improvements. Obviously he’s still young and will get better but with how he skates now he’ll get into a ton of trouble tryna skate the puck at the nhl level. To me right now his skating is more of a weakness than a strength

[@Débribu]

He will never skate like Cale Makar, but most 6'6 guys are far worst!

[@Mralanyrx]

@@Débribu his skating right now won’t allow him to really carry pucks and do dangles. Most Dmen this size play the puck very simple, hence why he’s a unicorn

[@Débribu]

@@Mralanyrx true, even forwards!

[@BrendaAffron]

the 2024 nhl drafts unicorn is cayden lindstrom no offense

[@italian1ist]

Not really.
No offense.

[@johnsolo74]

the 2024 nhl drafts unicorn is cayden lindstrom no offense

[@Mralanyrx]

Lindstrom has quite a few nhl comparables, Roope Hintz for instance

[@valitsemllaluokanavahyvaks3556]

Hes probably a 3th/4th rounder at highest.

[@veetin7014]

you dont know puck😂😂 Hes been ranked late 1st rounder

[@italian1ist]

Lay off the bong hits