Rautiainen Breaks 70-Point Barrier, NHL Hype Grows

"Rautiainen is an exceptionally skilled playmaker who is ahead of his peers in offensive abilities for his age as he breaks the 70-point barrier this season for Tappara," YLE reports. The 20-year-old Tampere forward has already posted 22 goals and 51 assists this season, drawing early NHL comparisons.

YLE's hockey expert Karri Rämö says Rautiainen is unusually gifted, able to switch from defense to offense on the fly, read plays, and create space, which makes him especially dangerous. The article notes that he recognizes passing lanes, anticipates teammates' moves, and can finish when opportunities arise. He honed his game on outdoor rinks around Tampere’s Olkahisen School, and this creativity was on display in January 2025 when he sealed Finland’s World Championship semifinal against Sweden with a no-look shot between Melker Thelin’s legs.

The piece also discusses NHL potential, noting that Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Rautiainen 108th overall in the fourth round last summer. While many Finnish stars flourish at home, the path to North America isn’t guaranteed, as illustrated by players like Joel Armia. Rämö argues that for NHL readiness, Rautiainen must develop further in defense, physical play along the boards, and, notably, his shooting, which could unlock more of his playmaking. Nevertheless, the young forward remains focused on the current season, saying he will go game by game and first try to rewrite Tappara’s single-season points record.