The Detroit Red Wings continue adding depth and talent to the farm system. Most recently, Detroit signed prospect Jesse Kiiskinen to an entry-level contract (ELC). The Finnish winger took a step forward in his develoment this season for Liiga team HPK Hämeenlinna. Kiiskanen recorded 47 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 2024-25.
Kiiskinen impressed at World Juniors
The player’s improvement stood out on the world stage as well as the domestic league. Kiiskinen scored six goals and one assist for Finland at the IIHF Under-20 World Championships. Scouts (and Red Wings fans) certainly took notice of the 19-year-old.
Lessening the sting of the Gibson trade
Steve Yzerman acquired Kiiskinen and a second round pick from Nashville. The deal saw defensive prospect Andrew Gibson head to the Predators organization. What happened next frustrated fans.
Yzerman then attached the pick to Jake Walman and sent him to San Jose. There was no return, just “future considerations”. Walman was given away for nothing. The Edmonton Oilers acquired Walman this year for a first round pick.
With Kiiskinen now stepping up in value for Detroit, the deal loses some of its sting. There was very little talk about the 6’1” right shot wing upon his acquisition. Now, he looks to be a high value prospect for the organization.
Is Kiiskanen coming to Grand Rapids immediately?
After a ninth straight season missing the playoffs, fans needed some good news. Kiiskinen has been added to an exciting list of prospects. We will soon find out if he will play for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The upcoming season could provide strong opportunities for Griffins players. The Olympic break will condense the regular season schedule by around three weeks. It seems reasonable to expect a steady stream of call ups.
In the fall players won’t just be auditioning for opening night. They will all have a chance to make an impression. Those performances could determine who gets an opportunity when injuries open a roster spot.
Marco Kasper’s strong performance secure a permanent spot in the NHL last year. Meanwhile, the players in Grand Rapids are watching and know that jobs are there for the taking. The rebuild will be on full display next year.
I seriously think he’s GR-bound. He’s done as much as he can in Liiga, and needs to take the next step. Logic says he’s starting in GR….at least MY logic says so.
I agree. Last year i was surprised when ASP returned to Europe so I try not to take it for granted. Definitely seems ready. Wondering who all will be in Detroit for the post draft prospect camp. Grand Rapids could have a nice contingent to open the season
Ok, SO….I’ve been playing around a bit here. Android is my personal phone, I have an iPhone for work. Android posts don’t make it, iPhone does. May be an algorithm (I can’t spell for anything tonight, happy for spell check!!!…) that needs to be checked out, not sure Android’s fully supported 🥺
I’ll send Android concern along. Thanks Mike!