8th year Finnish-born defenseman Jyri Niemi(88) has spent the last 5 years in his country’s Liiga signing with KooKoo for 2017/2018 after a pair of injury-riddled seasons for Ilves.
The 6’2″ 207 lbs. blue liner is already off to a decent start with his new squad scoring a goal and 5 assists in 18 games.
He already signed a deal to return to Finland before being left unqualified by New York Rangers heading into a contract year for the restricted free agent.
The 28-year old is likely much happier playing close to home for the remainder of his time on ice.
Jyri Niemi(8)
In a bit of a head scratcher move, Connecticut Whale have reassigned 2nd year defenseman Jyri Niemi(8) to their ECHL affiliate Greenville Road Warriors after posting only 1 assist in 8 games played.
He was injured late last season and it may be a move to give him some time to play a bit of a different style of hockey and build his confidence.
It would be really strange for him to stay in AA, unless he’s really fallen off New York Rangers‘ depth chart.
He was originally picked by New York Islanders in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft (#77 overall).