The Tampa Bay Lightning selected forward Benjamin Rautiainen as the 108th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Rautiainen played in the top professional league in Finland this past year. He scored 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points in 50 games with Tappara of Liiga in 2024-25, and was ranked 36th among international skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings. The Lightning traded their 2026 Fourth-Round selection to the Boston Bruins in order to draft Rautiainen. The 6-foot, 174-pound forward offers a lot to like about his game, especially on the offensive end. He has the ability to make quick decisions with the puck which makes him an asset on the power play. “I think my biggest strengths are with the puck. I see the ice pretty good. I can pass, my offensive game is my strength for sure,” said Rautiainen. He scored two goals and had two assists for Finland in seven games for Team Finland at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Photo Credit: Pasi Mennander / Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto
