As the 2026 NHL Entry Draft inches closer, NHL teams are beginning to focus on potential prospects. Among those catching the eye is Finnish defenseman Juho Piiparinen. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing around 203 pounds, the right-shot defenseman, born on August 10, 2008, is currently playing for Tappara in the Finnish Liiga and U20 SM-sarja. Several teams could benefit from his skillset, and the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings are two teams that should consider drafting him.

Why Piiparinen?

There are a couple of key reasons why Piiparinen should be on the radar of NHL teams. The first is that right-handed defensemen are always in high demand in the league. Secondly, Piiparinen is not just a prospect with potential; he's already gaining experience playing with Tappara's senior team. In a preseason friendly game on August 20, 2025, against Mestis club Pyry, Piiparinen earned the primary assist on a power-play goal. Furthermore, he participated in Tappara's preseason games against Jokerit on August 22 and HPK on September 4, indicating that he is being considered for the senior team and not just the U20 squad. This is significant for a 17-year-old, as many Finnish players who make it to the NHL often join the Liiga at a young age.

Scouting Report

Piiparinen is a two-way defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. He's known for his poise and hockey sense, especially without the puck. Defensively, he displays smart habits such as stick-lifting opponents to prevent them from getting the puck and communicating effectively. According to Lassi Alanen, Piiparinen has been logging huge minutes on Finland's top pairing and on both special teams. He is also considered a late riser for Finland's national teams.

Why the Blackhawks and Red Wings?

Both the Blackhawks and Red Wings have specific needs that Piiparinen could address. The Blackhawks are continuing their rebuild, and while their defense prospects are promising, adding another solid defenseman like Piiparinen would further strengthen their blueline. The Blackhawks possess a number of draft picks in 2026, giving them flexibility to target players they like.

The Red Wings, under General Manager Steve Yzerman, are aiming to bolster their prospect pool. With a roster that already includes several Swedish players, the Red Wings have shown a propensity for drafting talent from Scandinavia. Adding a Finnish defenseman like Piiparinen could further solidify their defensive depth.

It's worth noting that both teams might be aiming for other top prospects in the 2026 draft, such as Gavin McKenna, who is projected to be a potential franchise-changing player. However, Piiparinen could be a valuable addition if they miss out on those top picks or are looking to add defensive depth.

Conclusion

Juho Piiparinen is a promising young defenseman who should be on the radar of NHL teams in the 2026 Entry Draft. His size, skill, and experience playing in the Liiga make him an intriguing prospect. For teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings, who are looking to add defensive depth and right-handed shots to their prospect pool, Piiparinen could be a valuable asset.