Urho Vaakanainen's clean bill of health this season has led to bigger opportunities.

IRVINE, Calif. - Health has been the biggest obstacle for Urho Vaakanainen thus far when it comes to being a full-time NHLer. As a rookie, he suffered a concussion while playing for the Boston Bruins. After being acquired by the Ducks in 2022, he appeared to be on the right track.

But he suffered another injury after crashing into the boards during a preseason game in September 2023. Hip surgery last March was his latest battle with injuries.

This season, Vaakanainen has been healthy. Not only that, he's been playing some good hockey as well. Playing mostly alongside Radko Gudas, the pair have become the Ducks' shutdown pair.

Per MoneyPuck, Gudas and Vaakanainen have the lowest expected goals against per 60 minutes in the league at 5v5 (1.89) among defensive pairs (400 minutes minimum).

Individually, Vaakanainen ranks seventh in expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5v5 (2.11) while Gudas ranks third at 2.04 (600 minutes minimum), per Natural Stat Trick.

"It's been a very fun season to play with him," said Vaakanainen of Gudas. "He's a leader, so I just follow him."

Vaakanainen wasn't even in the Ducks' lineup in their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights, but an early injury to Jamie Drysdale paved the way for the Finnish blueliner to make his mark.

"Staying healthy and getting to play is a big thing," continued Vaakanainen. "Just getting the reps and staying consistent. I feel like I'm getting better every day."

Vaakanainen also recently scored his first NHL goal in Dallas against the Stars. Previously, he'd had his first goal taken away twice as a Duck and once as a Bruin.

"Yeah, obviously, I've had a few goals taken off. I wasn't sure if (Dallas) scored at the other end before (my) goal, so I was kind of expecting them to take it off again. But thank God they didn't and it's a stress relief for sure. Don't have to think about it anymore."