Hailing from Finland, Valimaki made the decision to come to North America early to get adjusted to the smaller ice rink and to make himself more visible to NHL scouts for the draft. The Tri-City Americans of the WHL selected him in the first round, 14th overall, in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. Unfortunately for Valimaki, the Americans have not been a very good team and he’s only played in four playoff games over his two seasons in the WHL.
Valimaki is a strong skater that is effective at both ends of the ice. He doesn’t have a powerful slap shot, but his wrister is strong and accurate.