Joensuu Makes Debut

Isles called up Jesse Joensuu to fill Guerin's roster spot for tonight's game against Colorado. I expect him to get very little ice time - probably on the 4th line, I suspect. He is a power forward, stands at 6-4 and weighs in at about 210 lbs -- this season he has 17 goals & 13 assists for Bridgeport.

Some history on Jesse:
Joensuu was elected at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders in the 2nd round (60th overall)Last Season: Made his North-American hockey debut when he dressed in the Sound Tigers’ final game of the season … Played his final year in Assat and finished with his best numbers in the Finish Elite League, 35 points (17g/18a) while totaling 89 penalty minutes. 2006-07: At the halfway point of the season, he was already on pace to pass career-high marks in goals, assists and points … He eventually went on to set new career numbers with 26 points (9g/17a) in 52 games played ranking him fifth on the team … Averaged a point every other game with Assat who ranked at the bottom of the standings all season … Played for Team Finland at the World Junior Championships and had two points (1g/1a) in six games. 2005-06: Played in 51 games for Assat and totaled 12 points (4g/8a) while compiling 57 penalty minutes … Named to the Team Finland WJC team where he played in seven games and scored four points (2g/2a) and was a +3 in the tournament. 2004-05: Skated his first full season with Assat and scored his first professional goal … Competed on both Team Finland’s WJC and Under 18 WJC teams … Scored a goal with the WJC Team Finland team and with the Under 18 WJC team he tallied three points (1g/2a).

PointBlank weighed in on Joensuu back on February 15th and had this to say:
Joensuu is not a serious candidate to play a regular role for the Islanders next season, but he is the Bridgeport prospect with the most upside potential. His modest stats aside - 14 goals in 47 games - the 6-4, 210-pound right wing has had an outstanding first year of pro after coming over from Finland and dedicating himself to the North American game. He has even had a few scraps with opposing heavyweights. Joensuu’s education must continue in Bridgeport next season. If his development is a success, he could make the Islanders’ depth chart look a whole lot better in 2010-11.

Upside: Top-6 forward with a chance for first line.