Finnish winger Jesse Kiiskinen brings a lethal shot and international pedigree to Grand Rapids, positioning the savvy trade acquisition to ignite the Griffins’ youth-driven offensive attack.
It was a quiet transaction back in late June of 2024, but one that's looking increasingly shrewd for the Detroit Red Wings.
In a trade with the Nashville Predators, Detroit sent 2023 second-round pick Andrew Gibson to Nashville in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick and a later third-round selection from the 2023 draft, landing Finnish winger Jesse Kiiskinen.
Now 20 years old, Kiiskinen enters the upcoming season with a full, uninterrupted offseason to acclimate to the professional game in North America. Judging by his track record so far, though, adjustment hasn't been much of an issue.
Kiiskinen first turned heads on the international stage at the 2025 World Juniors, where he served as an assistant captain for Finland and was a consistent offensive threat throughout the tournament. He posted six goals and an assist across seven games, good for a point-per-game pace and a showcase of the shot that scouts had flagged as his calling card.
He carried that momentum into his second full season in Finland's top league, Liiga, suiting up for hometown club HPK. Kiiskinen finished the regular season with 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 54 games, then added a goal and three assists for four points across nine playoff contests.
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Once his season overseas wrapped up, Kiiskinen made his first trip to North America to get a taste of the pro game on this side of the Atlantic, and he didn't miss a beat. In just three games, he found the scoresheet twice, tallying a goal and an assist.
With the Grand Rapids Griffins transitioning away from a veteran heavy roster toward a group built around young talent, Kiiskinen projects as one of the players expected to lead that charge.
His shot, already regarded as his most refined tool, could see its production climb significantly depending on how he's deployed and pairing him on the right wing with a center like Dominik Shine or Carter Bear could make for an exciting combination.
Kiiskinen wasn't a name turning heads back in June of 2024, but he could start if he picks up right where he left off with Grand Rapids.
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