Tugg Hockey League - Lenni Kokkonen

Ben Novosyolok - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-10-13

2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Lenni Kokkonen (RD)

Lenni Kokkonen #3 Nationality: Finland D – March 25, 2009 – Oulu, Finland – 6’2” / 194lbs – Right-handed – Karpat (Liiga)

The picture of reliability and defensive responsibility, Kokkonen is a steady defenseman who makes his presence felt through positioning, strength and a relentless commitment to defending. His rush defense is particularly intriguing, as he uses his skating and long backward strides to angle attackers toward the outside before closing the gap with impressive speed. He consistently engages with opposing forwards, uses his body well to cut off shooting lanes, and

has an active stick that allows him to disrupt passing plays and break up dangerous chances. His transition game is solid as well, with crisp passes that allow him to move the puck efficiently and get his teammates going the other way. While he does not possess a standout offensive skill set, he rarely puts himself or his team in difficult situations and has the defensive habits to be trusted against strong competition.

Kokkonen’s biggest question is whether his lack of an exceptional offensive tool limits his ceiling at higher levels. He does not get his shot off frequently and does not appear to be a defenseman who will drive offense consistently from the blue line. However, his defensive reliability, physical strength and ability to handle top opposition give him a strong foundation as a shutdown defender. He looks capable of playing a meaningful defensive role in Liiga, though a move to the CHL could give him an opportunity to expand his offensive game before settling into a professional role.

Overall, I see Kokkonen as a second-round pick with the potential to develop into a reliable bottom-pairing NHL defenseman, with his defensive habits and professional consistency giving him a relatively high floor but limiting his offensive ceiling.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-08-31

2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

25 – Lenni Kokkonen (6’2″ | 194lbs | RD | Oulun Kärpät | Finland) A standout performer from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Lenni Kokkonen demonstrated why he sits a tier above his fellow Finnish defenders through his well-rounded, mature game. He establishes his value in his own zone first, utilizing his frame and stickwork to kill plays and protect the house. Transitioning up the ice, his offensive instincts shine as a calculated playmaker with a sneaky, deceptive point shot. At 6’2”, his frame is projectable, and as a coveted right-shot blueliner, he is an even higher-valued asset in this draft class. He is expected to earn reps in Liiga with Kärpät this season, which will only accelerate his adjustment to senior hockey, and continuing that momentum will be his primary focus as the year unfolds.

Blain Potvin - Draft Prospects Hockey2025-11-14

Standout Prospects at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge

Lenni Kokkonen – Right Defence Kokkonen is a promising puck-moving offensive defenceman. During the U17s, he was used heavily in all situations, especially on the power play. What stood out was the confidence he has with the puck and his mobility. He was able to walk the blue line using his edges, be deceptive in transition using hip mobility, and his ability to pivot to reverse was fluid, allowing him to keep his speed.

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2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Lenni Kokkonen (RD)

2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

Standout Prospects at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge