Pokka was one of the best defensemen in the AHL last season, now he's looking to show he's worthy of a shot on a deep NHL blue line.
Ville Pokka breaks from the mold of Chicago's affinity for Swedish defenseman, but he's quickly going to become your favorite Finn this side of Stormtrooper FN-2187. The 22-year-old is coming off a very good AHL season, recently was described as having a "warrior-like mentality" by a Blackhawks official and earned a spot on Team Finland for the World Cup of Hockey.
He's never going to be the fastest or flashiest player on the ice, but Pokka has got the hockey IQ, work ethic and defensive capability to potentially fit into the top-four of an NHL defense soon.