Henri Nikkanen (born April 28, 2001) is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Henri Nikkanen
Born (2001-04-28) April 28, 2001 (age 23)
Mikkeli, Finland
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Former teams
Winnipeg Jets
Manitoba Moose (AHL)
Jukurit
Lahti Pelicans
NHL draft 113th overall, 2019
Winnipeg Jets
Playing career 2018–present

Playing career

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Nikkanen made his Liiga debut for his hometown team Jukurit during the 2018–19 Liiga season. He played nine regular season games and scored two goals.[1] He was drafted 113th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.[2]

On 15 April 2021, Nikkanen left Jukurit to sign a two-year contract with fellow Liiga club, Lahti Pelicans.[3][4] In the 2021–22 season, Nikkanen made 60 appearances in his lone season with the Pelicans, contributing with 7 goals and 12 points.

On 10 April 2022, Nikkanen was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with draft club, the Winnipeg Jets. He immediately joined AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose for the remainder of the season.[5]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2016–17 JYP Jyväskylä Jr. A 13 3 8 11 2 3 1 0 1 0
2017–18 JYP Jyväskylä Jr. A 50 20 18 38 10 4 0 2 2 0
2018–19 Jukurit Jr. A 14 2 7 9 18
2018–19 Jukurit Liiga 9 2 0 2 0
2018–19 Ketterä Mestis 2 1 0 1 0
2019–20 Jukurit Jr. A 28 13 15 28 2 3 4 0 4 0
2019–20 Jukurit Liiga 27 0 3 3 8
2020–21 Jukurit Liiga 47 7 13 20 12
2021–22 Lahti Pelicans Liiga 60 7 5 12 8 3 0 0 0 0
2021–22 Manitoba Moose AHL 4 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
2022–23 Manitoba Moose AHL 66 5 11 16 24 5 0 0 0 0
2023–24 Manitoba Moose AHL 57 7 5 12 16 2 0 0 0 0
Liiga totals 143 16 21 37 28 3 0 0 0 0
Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing   Finland
World Junior Championships
  2021 Canada

International

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Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2017 Finland U17 6th 5 3 2 5 0
2018 Finland HG18 7th 4 2 4 6 4
2021 Finland WJC   7 2 1 3 0
Junior totals 16 7 7 14 4

References

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  1. ^ Henri Nikkanen profile - Eurohockey.com
  2. ^ "Jets' Henri Nikkanen: Potential steal late in draft". CBS Sports. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Pelicans announce signings" (in Finnish). Lahti Pelicans. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Henri Nikkanen player profile" (in Finnish). Jatkoaika.com. March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  5. ^ "Jets sign forwards Henri Nikkanen and Daniel Torgersson to entry-level contracts". Winnipeg Jets. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
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Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or The Internet Hockey Database