Mikko Koskinen, a Finnish goaltender, embarked on his professional hockey journey with a career that spanned various leagues and countries. Born on July 18, 1988, in Vantaa, Finland, Koskinen began his career in the Finnish Liiga, playing for the Espoo Blues. His performance in Finland caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Koskinen made his NHL debut with the Islanders during the 2010-2011 season. However, his time in the NHL was brief, and he returned to Europe to further develop his skills. He spent several seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he played for teams such as Sibir Novosibirsk and SKA Saint Petersburg. His tenure in the KHL was marked by consistent performances, and he became known for his imposing presence in the net, standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall.
During his time with SKA Saint Petersburg, Koskinen achieved considerable success. He was instrumental in helping the team secure the Gagarin Cup, the KHL's championship trophy, in 2015 and 2017. His performances in the KHL earned him recognition as one of the league's top goaltenders, and he was selected to participate in the KHL All-Star Game multiple times.
In 2018, Koskinen returned to the NHL, signing a contract with the Edmonton Oilers. His return to North America marked a new chapter in his career, as he took on the role of starting goaltender for the Oilers. Over the next few seasons, Koskinen played a significant number of games for Edmonton, providing stability in the net and delivering several standout performances.
Koskinen's time with the Oilers was characterized by both highs and lows. He faced challenges, including adjusting to the fast-paced NHL environment and dealing with the pressures of being a starting goaltender. Despite these challenges, he managed to maintain a solid presence in the crease, contributing to the team's efforts in reaching the playoffs.
Throughout his career, Koskinen also represented Finland on the international stage. He played for the Finnish national team in various tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships. His international experience further highlighted his abilities as a goaltender and his importance to Finnish hockey.
In 2022, Koskinen decided to return to Europe, signing with HC Lugano in the Swiss National League. This move marked another transition in his career, allowing him to continue playing at a high level while bringing his wealth of experience to a new league.
Mikko Koskinen's career is a testament to his adaptability and skill as a goaltender.
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