Aleksanteri Kaskimaki has been one of the Springfield Thunderbirds' best players this season, putting him in line to fight for a roster spot next season.
The Springfield Thunderbirds, the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, narrowly hold on to the last playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, and with eight games remaining, they’ll need to be at their best to hold onto that spot.
They’ve won two consecutive games and are 5-4-1-0 in their last 10 games, and while credit can be shared fairly equally, the recent surge by Aleksanteri Kaskimaki deserves some recognition.
The 22-year-old is skating in his second AHL season and is enjoying a strong campaign. His rookie campaign witnessed him post an impressive 11 goals and 34 points in 65 games, showing he had what it takes to translate to the North American style after several seasons in Finland.
But in 2025-26, Kaskimaki has carried the confidence he garnered, posting 16 goals and 35 points in 56 games, ranking second in goals and third in points (second among active Thunderbirds players) on the team this season.
Kaskimaki has seen time at both center and winger this season in the AHL, excelling at both positions. Last season, Kaskimaki starred as a playmaker, finishing with 23 assists. This season, his assist numbers project to finish about the same, but his goal-scoring has improved.
His shot has become more of a threat, and his skating has continued to provide him opportunities to use it.
Kaskimaki’s excellent AHL season hasn’t gone unnoticed. With the Thunderbirds, he’s earned additional even-strength ice time while also being utilized on special teams. But the Blues management has taken notice as well.
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)The 2022 third-round pick (73rd overall) earned a five-game call-up stint during the beginning of December, laying the groundwork for what the Blues hope will be a full-time role in the coming seasons.
But with the way he is playing and developing, that full-time NHL role could be as early as next season. It will be a difficult challenge to earn a spot out of training camp due to internal competition among the Blues’ prospects, as well as the possibility of signing free agents in the off-season.
What Kaskimaki can do is finish the AHL season on a high note and come into training camp and pre-season to give the Blues a difficult decision. If he’s ultimately sent down, he can put himself high on the pecking order and be the first forward the Blues call up.
Standing six-foot, 195 pounds, Kaskimaki can use his speed and versatility to make his impression and attempt to land a middle-six role.
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