{"id":134618,"date":"2025-09-05T12:42:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T12:42:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/134618\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T12:42:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T12:42:10","slug":"red-wings-prospect-left-off-list-of-top-finnish-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/134618\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Wings Prospect Left Off List Of Top Finnish Players"},"content":{"rendered":"

At first glance, not seeing the name of Detroit Red Wings forward Jesse Kiiskinen<\/a> ranked among the top 20 players performing in the Finnish Super League (also known as the SM-liiga) might seem to be cause for alarm.<\/p>\n

The reality is that you shouldn\u2019t read too much into that outcome.<\/p>\n

Finnish website Ilta-Sanomat<\/a> compiled a ranking of the best players currently playing in Finland\u2019s top league. Kiiskinen didn\u2019t make the cut.<\/p>\n

On the surface, that\u2019s certainly a surprising development. After all, the 20-year-old right-winger was the leading scorer for HPK Hameenlinna last season. He accumulated 44 points, despite being limited to 46 games due to injury and representing Finland in the IIHF World Junior Championship.<\/p>\n

Jesse Kiiskinen GOAL\ud83d\udea8 he certainly has a blast on the power play. #LGRW<\/a> #HPK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1oq2KOD2kf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Digging deeper, you quickly realize that seniority is playing a significant role in these rankings.<\/p>\n

Several of the top-rated players are seasoned veterans of pro hockey. First up is veteran defenseman Sami Vatanen. The longtime NHLer is 34 years old.<\/p>\n

Teemu Hartikainen (35), Jori Lehtera (37), and Antti Raanta (36) are also on the list.<\/p>\n

Red Wings Invested In Kiiskinen<\/p>\n

Detroit acquired Kiiskinen from the Nashville Predators in a trade for defensive prospect Andrew Gibson<\/a>. Both were 2023 draft picks. The Red Wings signed Kiiskinen to an entry-level contract during the offseason. He\u2019ll play one more season in Finland before coming to play in North America.<\/p>\n

Jesse Kiiskinen one timer.. rebound put home for a late 4-3 lead. Kiiskinen with the primary assist \ud83c\udf4e #LGRW<\/a> #HPK<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rNFySYFzPM<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

A couple of players with Red Wings connections did earn placement on the top-20 list. American center Patrick Curry of defending champions KalPa Kuopio was rated fifth. Last season, he was good for 29-31-60 totals in 60 games for the champions. From 2020-22, Curry played for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins<\/a> and ECHL Toledo Walleye.<\/p>\n

Coming in at 20th was SaiPa Lappeenranta forward Otto Kivenmaki<\/a>. Helping SaiPa to the Finnish league final last spring, Kivenmaki led the club in scoring with 50 points.<\/p>\n

The Red Wings selected Kivenmaki 191st overall in the 2018 NHL entry draft. However, he was never offered a contract.<\/p>\n

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