After signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings, forward prospect Jesse Kiiskinen is preparing for the next stage of his professional hockey career. The native of Hollola, Finland, has long been a fan of the NHL club.
“I’m really excited to sign with my favorite childhood team,” Kiiskinen 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.”
Kiiskinen was acquired by the Red Wings in a trade with the Nashville Predators on June 25, 2024. He spent the entire 2024-25 season with HPK in Finland’s SM-Liiga, where he led his team in assists (30) and points (44), and tied for third in goals (14). His performance made him the top U-20 skater in Finland’s top professional league.
“He’s done a really good job with me,” Kiiskinen said about HPK head coach Mikko Manner. “He gave me the keys. I got a lot of playing time and got to do what I do best.”
During the 2023-24 campaign, Kiiskinen played for Lahti Pelicans in Finland’s SM-Liiga, recording 10 points over 38 regular-season games and participating in six postseason contests.
“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.”
At age 19, Kiiskinen aims to improve his explosiveness and strength as he works towards his NHL dream.
“I want to take the mentality that it doesn’t matter who you play or where you play,” he said. “I don’t care who plays against me.”
Since joining Detroit’s organization nearly a year ago, Kiiskinen has benefited from learning from members of Detroit’s European Scouting and Player Development Staff.
“It was really cool last season when [Director of European Player Development] Niklas Kronwall came to a few of my practices,” Kiiskinen said.
Outside hockey, Kiiskinen enjoys spending time away from training.
“I’m golfing a lot with my friends,” he said. “Or I’m playing PlayStation…I also like to make food.”
