Hameenaho made the jump to North America this season after signing his entry-level contract in May 2025, and the transition went well. He split time between New Jersey and the Utica Comets, posting eight points in 33 NHL games and 26 points in 37 AHL outings. The NHL usage was mostly bottom-six, averaging around 12 minutes a night, but his hockey sense and positioning stood out even in limited roles. He scored his first NHL goal against Vancouver in January and showed the playmaking intelligence that drove a 51-point Liiga season with Assat the year before. At 6-1, 195 pounds, the frame is NHL-ready, and the right-handed shot gives him lineup versatility the Devils value. The two-way habits carried over from Finnish hockey. He blocked 16 shots and delivered 20 hits in his NHL stint, signaling willingness to do the detail work. New Jersey named him to Finland’s 2026 World Championship roster, where he added to back-to-back senior tournament appearances. The Devils have significant forward depth with Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and a wave of prospects, but Hameenaho projects as a full-time NHL player in 2026-27 with a bottom-six role and second-unit power play looks. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should roster him. A 25-to-35 point season is the immediate target, with a ceiling closer to 45 if he earns middle-six minutes.

Hameenaho signed his entry-level contract with New Jersey and is going to be pushing for a bottom-six spot on the opening night roster for the Devils in 2025-26. At the age of 20, the Devil’s late second-round pick in the 2023 draft has already become a nearly point-per-game player competing against men in Liiga, represented his Nation at the World Juniors twice, and featured in a top-six role for Finland at the World Championships in 2025. While not the strongest professional league, the Finnish brand of hockey typically translates well to the North American game, and he has built on his intelligence, which led to his being drafted in the second round. If he is not playing full-time for the Devils next season, don’t be surprised to see him producing above half a point per game at the AHL level and pushing to be the first call-up in case of injury.

Since he was drafted, arguing against Hämeenaho’s development has been hard. Whereas his skating ability was previously a major concern, he has taken strides in improving his straight-line speed and acceleration. There is room for improvement, but it is no longer the detraction to his otherwise highly cerebral, offensively productive game. There is a world in which Hämeenaho makes the jump to garnering NHL minutes if he continues his dominance in Liiga.

Not many 2023 draft eligibles grew their games more than Lenni Hämeenaho this past season. Although he played in Finland’s top league as a draft-eligible, Hämeenaho went under the radar for modest stats and average skating. The speed has taken some improvement, but even bigger in his progress is how much more dominant Hämeenaho is offensively. Hämeenaho quickly jumped out of the game, being one of Finland’s top point producers in Liiga as a teenager. Although he quieted down in the second half, he continued being a productive player and had a strong playoff with 12 points in six games. He’s still a bit away from the NHL but has the offensive skill to be a middle-six NHLer if he can get quicker.

Hämeenaho was selected 58th overall by the Devils.