Jussi Olkinuora got a shoe from the Detroit Red Wings.
Jussi Olkinuora’s NHL dream did not come true. PASI LEISMA
Celebrated two world championships and one Olympic gold in the Lions shirt Jussi Olkinuora has been put on the transfer list in the NHL. An inside journalist tells about it Chris Johnston.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper is in the so-called unconditional waivers -list, that is, his contract is going to be terminated. It is very unlikely that any NHL club would pick him up from the transfer list.
Olkinuora signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings in the summer, but never got to play in the NHL.
The Finnish hero appeared in goal for the Detroit farm team Grand Rapids Griffins in 15 games, where his save percentage was an abysmal 86.8.
The contrast in the statistics is stark with Olkinuora’s performance level in recent years. In three KHL seasons between 2019 and 2022, he saved with 92.7 percent certainty.
In last spring’s World Championships, Olkinuora was on fire with the Leijoni’s goal, allowing only 1.11 goals per match. At that time, his save percentage was 94.8.