Mikko Mäkelä, a Finnish ice hockey player, began his professional career in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Born on February 28, 1965, in Tampere, Finland, Mäkelä honed his skills in his home country before making the leap to North America. His transition to the NHL marked the beginning of a career that spanned several teams and leagues.
Mäkelä joined the Islanders for the 1985-86 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable left winger. Over the next few seasons, he became known for his scoring ability and offensive contributions. During his time with the Islanders, Mäkelä played alongside some of the era's top talents, which helped him develop his game further. His best season with the Islanders came in 1987-88 when he scored 36 goals and added 38 assists, totaling 74 points.
In 1989, Mäkelä was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive skills. His tenure with the Kings, however, was relatively short-lived. After a season and a half in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 1990. With the Sabres, Mäkelä's role shifted slightly, but he remained a valuable asset on the ice.
Mäkelä's NHL journey took another turn when he was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 1991-92 season. His time with the Bruins was brief, and he soon found himself returning to Europe to continue his professional career. In Europe, Mäkelä played in various leagues, including the Finnish SM-liiga and the Swedish Elitserien, where he continued to contribute to his teams with his experience and skill.
Throughout his career, Mäkelä was known for his offensive prowess and ability to adapt to different playing styles and leagues. His international experience also included representing Finland in several international tournaments, further showcasing his talent on the global stage.
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