Mikko Koskinen’s profession was stuffed with twists and turns, from being drafted by the New York Islanders in 2009 to turning into a key goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers. Whereas he by no means grew to become a full-time starter within the NHL, Koskinen left a long-lasting impression. Now, at 36, the towering six-foot-seven Finnish goaltender has formally retired and launched into a brand new chapter in hockey as a participant agent in his residence nation of Finland.
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He was a kind of guys who you all the time thought would make it as a starter, however he by no means fairly obtained there. He had nice potential, however a random puck all the time appeared to slide by his five-hole on the flawed time.
Koskinen’s Early NHL Journey
Koskinen’s journey started when the Islanders picked him thirty first within the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Nevertheless, his time in New York was quick. He performed in solely 4 NHL video games earlier than deciding to maneuver again to Europe abroad. He bounced round within the KHL and SM-Liiga for a number of seasons, persevering with to work on his expertise.
In 2018, Koskinen returned to the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers. Initially signing a one-year deal, Koskinen confirmed sufficient that the Oilers re-upped him to a three-year contract extension in the course of his first season. Ups and downs marked his time in Edmonton. Though he by no means grew to become the group’s go-to playoff goalie (Mike Smith took over the online in 2022), Koskinen delivered strong performances throughout his four-year tenure.
In 164 video games with the Oilers, Koskinen put up an 83-59-13 document with a .907 save share. His 83 wins put him sixth all-time in Oilers franchise historical past. Surprisingly, he’s forward of goalies like Dwayne Roloson and Curtis Joseph (Cujo). Regardless of these achievements, Koskinen’s NHL profession ended after the 2021-22 season. He’d had sufficient of Edmonton, and it appeared an excellent time for him to maneuver on. He went residence to Europe.
Koskinen Left the Oilers and Landed in Switzerland
After leaving the NHL, Koskinen continued his profession within the Swiss Nationwide League with HC Lugano. Whereas studies emerged in April that he was planning to retire, it wasn’t till not too long ago that his retirement grew to become official. His subsequent transfer? Koskinen has determined to turn out to be a participant agent in Finland, serving to information the subsequent era of hockey gamers.
Koskinen’s big body will now not fill the online. Nevertheless, he hasn’t roamed removed from the sport he loves. Koskinen’s post-hockey profession guarantees to be simply as intriguing as his time on the ice as he navigates the world of participant illustration in his native Finland.
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