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Buffalo Sabres 2017 third-round pick (89th overall) Oskari Laaksonen has signed a two-year extension with Ilves in the Finnish pro league Liiga.
Ilves on tehnyt puolustaja Oskari Laaksosen (@osk_laaks) kanssa kahden vuoden jatkosopimuksen!
— Tampereen Ilves (@ilveshockey) December 11, 2018
Tiedote: https://t.co/tyhmx0zgaj#Ilves #Liiga #Tampere pic.twitter.com/RXEO0dYexP
There was some possibility that Laaksonen could come over to North America next season, but this move will extend that timeline.
Laaksonen was a mystery pick back in 2017, but has developed nicely to this point. He has three goals and 13 points in 25 games during his first full pro season in Liiga.
Oskari Laaksonen's PP goal from today's game.
— Jokke Nevalainen (@JokkeNevalainen) November 17, 2018
13 points in 21 games for the 19-year-old prospect defenseman. #Sabres #Liiga pic.twitter.com/JHvHIY0MgU
He’s played good minutes as a 19-year-old for Ilves and is going to be a top pair defenseman for Finland in the upcoming World Junior Championships.
Laaksonen will be one of the key Sabres prospects to watch during the tournament in Vancouver. He’ll be a key part of what looks like a strong Finland team.
While the excitement builds around the puck moving right-shot defender, we’ll have to wait a few more years before we see an impact with the Sabres organization.