Kuhta Seizing first season with 67’s, and soon at World Juniors
OTTAWA – The Ottawa 67’s roster this season has benefited from several off-season additions. One of the biggest ones up front has been 19-year-old Finnish import Jasper Kuhta, who has been among the team’s most prolific offensive players. His performance, heading into this season as well as his red-hot start with the barber poles, has led to him being rewarded with a camp invite to join Team Finland in Minnesota ahead of the World Juniors.
Even before Kuhta’s arrival in this 67’s this past off-season, his rise has been undeniable. A Helsinki native, Kuhta is a product of the prestigious HIFK system, which has molded the careers of NHL stars like Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, and Anton Lundell. HIFK was also the old stomping grounds of Jasper’s uncle Kimmo, a former captain of the team whose No. 9 was retired in 2018.
He would fly under the radar in his NHL draft year, playing for HIFK’s Under-18 squad and scoring at a near point-per-game pace. His move to their U20s squad last season would pay off dividends, as he’d explode for 43 points over 38 games and even get called up for eight games in the top Finnish league, Liiga. His play last year would lead to him gaining some traction, both in scouting circles and internationally, as he’d appear in games with the Finnish U19 and U20 squads. It was also that season when he felt like he wanted to give the CHL a chance.
The 67’s would pick him up in the second round of the import draft this past summer, and since then, Kuhta has not looked back. “I feel like I’ve played pretty good since the start of the season,” Kuhta said. “Obviously, there’s a big difference playing in Europe compared to here, with the smaller rink, and I would say it’s more physical.”
Despite the transition in style, Kuhta made an immediate impact, with 29 points through his first 31 games, tied for second most on the squad. He credits the locker room’s unity for helping ease him into the team. “It’s easier when you get to the rink, and nobody is mad or angry about anything, and everybody is just friendly,” he said. “We have a great bond.”
Kuhta first became aware of the potential opportunity to represent Finland at the World Juniors when he was invited to the World Junior Summer Showcase tournament in late July and early August. He iced in a game against Team Canada, picking up a goal and helping Finland overtake Canada 6-3. “I think I played well in Minnesota (at the Summer Showcase), and I think that’s what helped me join the roster now,” he said. “I’ve worked hard, and I feel that I deserve at least a chance to show what I can do,” he said.
While ultimately the goal for Kuhta will be to help Finland land their first World Junior Gold since 2019, to get there, he’s going into the tournament with a plan.
“Find a role within the team and be the best version of myself to help the team.”
Jacob Titus
Writer, Ottawa 67’s
