The annual NHL draft in Buffalo this weekend is attracting attention to several promising Finnish players, including Oscar Hemming, Oliver Suvanto, and Juho Piiparinen. However, despite the focus on Finnish talent, Latvian player Alberts Šmits, who played for Jukurit last season, is now considered by many to be the top prospect emerging from Finnish hockey. Šmits’ performance with Jukurit has garnered significant attention from NHL scouts. Analysts predict these four players will be among the first selected from Finland during Saturday night’s draft. The draft will be closely watched to see where these young players land and begin their professional careers. Šmits’ rise as a top prospect adds an unexpected element to the draft proceedings.