The Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for a Calder Cup push with Grand Rapids, and they're bolstering the Griffins' roster with fresh talent as prospect seasons conclude globally. The latest addition is 20-year-old Finnish forward Jesse Kiiskinen, who is making the jump to North American hockey.
Kiiskinen arrives via a savvy trade with the Nashville Predators, who originally drafted him in the third round in 2023. Detroit acquired him and a valuable second-round pick in exchange for prospect Andrew Gibson, demonstrating the front office's focus on building organizational depth.
Spending last season with HPK in Finland's top-tier Liiga, Kiiskinen posted 17 goals and 28 points in 54 games. While his point total dipped slightly from a stellar prior season, his game showed promising signs of growth. He ranked among the league's top five in shots on goal and increased his goal-scoring output, impressive feats considering HPK struggled as a team and barely clinched a playoff spot.
Standing at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Kiiskinen brings a pro-ready frame and a shooter's mentality to the Griffins. Having signed a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit last June, this reassignment is the next logical step in his development. Look for him to be a key fixture in Grand Rapids next season as he adapts to the North American game and aims to prove he's a future piece for the Red Wings' rebuild.
