Prospect Weekly: Finland’s Rambo Santa
It’s been a busy year for this talented and yet somehow underrated Colorado Avalanche prospect. Sampo Ranta is quietly having a breakout year in his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota. Ranta enters the holiday break currently tied for first on the team with 11 points and has the team lead in goals with seven in 18 games.
Ranta has grown into his very athletic frame which makes him more comfortable on the ice and with the puck this season. He’s using his size more as a means to control possession and make an impact on the forecheck. Which in turn Ranta is able to use his skill create scoring chances as well with the extra time and space. All of such are on display in the clip below as a quick primer and breakdown on Ranta’s game.
*
#Gophers Friday Film — Sampo Ranta has a five game point streak going right now and he leads the team in shots on goal. Here are some clips of him on Friday generating multiple dangerous scoring chances using size, speed and skill. Player to watch this weekend. pic.twitter.com/nAiJu3MRYs
— Eric Vegoe (@evegoe) November 22, 2019
*
The best stretch of Ranta’s season thus far was his six-game point streak in November which included three highlight reel goals as seen below. (You won’t believe the one which received top honors!) It’s clear scoring in transition is a big part of Ranta’s game which would fit in very well with the Avalanche someday. Ranta’s size and strength even at 19 years old is an advantage in the NCAA as he continues to gain control of his tools and refine other parts of his game which have taken a step as well as he typically plays a top six left wing role. His defensive game is still a work in progress but Ranta’s is one of only two regular players with a positive +/- ratio on the team.
Sampo Ranta couldn't be stopped on his 6-game point streak for @GopherHockey
He racked up 3 goals and 4 assists during the stretch. pic.twitter.com/BN9p96eG9A
— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) November 25, 2019
*
Even though the point streak ended Ranta saved a goal for Thanksgiving and tied his freshman mark of six goals with this tally seen below which shows off his very hard shot and quick release. Ranta is shooting at a pace just over three shots on goal per game.
Sampo put some gravy on that one. #Gophers pic.twitter.com/cU0gzhsAJw
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 29, 2019
*
Ranta was recently named to Finland’s World Junior Championship camp roster and is a strong bet to make the team and have a big role on offense. Finland will attempt to defend their gold medal from December 26th through January 5th in the Czech Republic. Ranta added one more goal the weekend prior to departing for World Junior camp with a lot of confidence and ready to show the world what he’s got.
We aren't really sure how Sampo Ranta snuck the puck in from that angle….but we don't really care.😃 pic.twitter.com/tCDQm7UxZg
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) December 7, 2019
*
Credit photo to Gopher Sports
Have you heard anything about when this guy will turn pro. I’m intrigued by him and Alex B.
Not really, nobody has said anything publicly. It’s possible after this season but I wouldn’t want him to get lost in the AHL. After his junior season seems like the most appropriate time.
What about Morrison at ND? Do you think he’ll ever be an Av?
I think they will give him a look in the AHL and could be a good fit there but ultimately pace, IQ and intensity is going to keep him from the Avs.
Thanks Jackie