Detroit Red Wings' recent signing Jesse Kiiskinen believes he can be one of the best players in the NHL
Photo credit: Eliteprospects
After signing a three-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings last Tuesday, we analyzed the signing and fans should expect a lot from the Finnish forward.
Kiiskinen is ready to make his North American hockey debut this upcoming season, following his pro career in Findland.
«I'm really excited to sign with my favorite childhood team,» Kiiskinen recently told DetroitRedWings.com. «I'm really happy [Growing up], I liked the red color on the jersey and watching some of Pavel Datsyuk's shootout moves. That's how I started to like the team.»
He was aquired via trade, alongside a second-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings from the Nashville Predators on June 25th in 2024.
Since, the Red Wings young prospect has spent time playing with longtime career veterans in Finland, where he shows high praise for his coach.
«He's done a really good job with me,» Kiiskinen said about Manner. «He gave me the keys. I got a lot of playing time and got to do what I do best.»
«I got the feeling that I could be better and be one of the best players,» said Kiiskinen, who was originally selected 68th overall by Nashville in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. «That was perhaps one of the biggest things I worked on. I knew I could play better and better, but I just had to wait for the right moment.»
At only 19 years old, the prospect is mature enough to reveal he has a lot of room to grow en route to his dream of making his NHL debut. Including a few off-season goals, which he recently discussed when speaking to the Detroit media recent interview.
«I want to take the mentality that it doesn't matter who you play or where you play, but it's about doing your own thing and keeping a mindset,» Kiiskinen said. «I don't care who plays against me. I'm going to make [my opponent] feel like he doesn't want to play with me all night and even the next game.»
Kiiskinen has close relationship with Red Wings legend Kronwall
«It was really cool last season, when [Director of European Player Development] Niklas Kronwall came to a few of my practices,» Kiiskinen said. «He helped me with some drills that I could use in my own practices, like how I turn and use my skates.»
Lots of new faces will be on showcase this upcoming season, buckle up Red Wings fans!
| POLL | ||
JUIN 9 | 75 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings' recent signing Jesse Kiiskinen believes he can be one of the best players in the NHL Do you think the Red Wings should give Kiiskinen a roster spot this upcoming season? | ||
| Yes, let the youth movement begin! | 45 | 60 % |
| No | 30 | 40 % |
| List of polls | ||
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