Tukonen, a fast rising star in the Los Angeles Kings system, won't turn 20 until next summer. The Kings would have preferred to have him spend this season back in Finland, but upheaval in Espoo made it an easy decision to have him here instead.
"We're not really eager to uproot a (young player)," said Los Angeles General Manager Dave Taylor. "But in Finland he didn't have a steady opportunity for his development. It was good for him to come over to Manchester, plus we also loaned him out for the World Junior tournament, and he played very well there."
Tukonen has taken to North American life quite nicely, learning his way around the pro game while gaining a strong grasp on the English language.
"It's been awesome," he said. "I like to play here, and every day I'm learning new things. I think it's been good for me. I have to work on everything. Shooting, skating, everything."
Tukonen has good size, but at this stage, he plays with a little more panache than power, although with experience and time spent in the weight room, the balance may tip the other way.
"I think for him, it's just maturity," said Taylor. "He's got a good frame, he just has to add to it. He's pretty solid on his skates, and he's an above average skater for a guy (his size). He can move through the neutral zone well, and he's gotten some big goals for us. We like his upside. He's got the tools and the defensive awareness to play in the top nine."
