Julius Miettinen, a 20‑year‑old forward from Finland, was crowned the 2026 Western Hockey League playoff most valuable player, becoming only the second European to receive the award after Leon Draisaitl in 2014.
A European Trailblazer in the WHL
He led the Everett Silvertips to their first-ever WHL championship, finishing the series with 14 goals and 13 assists in 18 games while posting a league‑best +21 rating.
Miettinen ranked third in league scoring with 27 points, winning nearly 60 % of his faceoffs and demonstrating a blend of physical strength, scoring touch and swift transition play.
His performance placed him among the most dominant players in the WHL, a league that has increasingly become a proving ground for international talent.
Expert Perspectives
Analyst Steven Ellis praised Miettinen’s shot‑generation, noting that he often produces six or more scoring chances per game, while prospect evaluator Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects described him as a "big, speedy winger" whose defensive and creative development will be the next focus.
On the international stage, Miettinen contributed four points for Finland at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Path to the AHL and Beyond
Signed to a three‑year entry‑level contract in 2025, Miettinen will report to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds this autumn, a franchise affiliated with the Seattle Kraken of the NHL.
The move to the AHL represents the next step in his development, with the ultimate goal of earning a roster spot in Seattle and eventually making an impact at the NHL level.
His ascent reflects a broader trend of European players shaping the WHL and, by extension, the future landscape of professional hockey in North America.