Julius Saari, born on March 7, 2007, in Vantaa, Finland, is a left-shot defenseman currently eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 187 lbs (85 kg), Saari has spent the 2024-2025 season playing for Jokerit U20 in the U20 SM-sarja and has also seen some action in Mestis, the second-highest league in Finland, as well as representing Finland in international junior competitions.

Saari is known as a defense-first defenseman, who uses his size and skating ability to shut down opposing players. Neutral Zone describes him as a "physically imposing, defense-first left-shot defenseman with international leadership experience and a clear identity as a shutdown presence." His role with Jokerit U20 is a clear reflection of his defensive capabilities, where he averages significant time on ice, with minimal power play usage but substantial penalty kill time. Statistically, he excels in defensive reliability, blocking shots, winning puck battles, and completing a high percentage of passes.

Multiple scouting reports highlight Saari's strengths. He's noted for his size, skating, shot-blocking ability, and effectiveness in winning puck battles and clearing pucks from the defensive zone. His reach and situational awareness allow him to make safe plays and transition the puck effectively. Furthermore, his leadership qualities are evident, having served as captain for Finland's U18 team at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup and the World U18 Championships.

However, Saari's offensive game is considered a work in progress. While he has shown flashes of offensive ability and is a solid puck-moving defenseman, his offensive impact is generally limited. Scouts suggest that rounding out his offensive game will be crucial for him to succeed at the NHL level. Specifically, his shooting has been identified as an area needing significant improvement.

According to NHL Central Scouting, Saari is ranked as a mid-range prospect among European skaters. McKeen's Hockey has him ranked at #173, while FCHockey and NHL Central Scouting both place him at #45 among European skaters. One Hockey Writers report suggests he projects as a mid-to-late round pick, with some opinions placing him as a potential fifth to seventh-round selection.

Several scouting reports from Elite Prospects provide further insights. A report from March 8, 2025, describes his performance in a Jokerit U20 game as a "solid outing" and "a pretty good encapsulation of his game." Another report from February 9, 2025, notes that Saari is a "solid puck-moving defenseman with good size" and a "good skater that can move fairly well."

In terms of potential NHL projection, Julius Saari is seen as a player who could develop into a bottom-pair, depth defenseman. His defensive acumen and penalty-killing upside make him a valuable asset for teams seeking defensive reliability. The Vancouver Canucks, for instance, have been identified as a team that might target Saari in the later rounds of the draft, specifically around the sixth round.

While his defensive game is well-regarded, there are areas where Saari needs further development. Improving his two-way game, adding more physicality, and reducing turnovers are key areas to focus on. Ultimately, Julius Saari projects as a defensive defenseman with the potential to become a reliable depth player in the NHL if he can continue to refine his overall game.