Jesse Kiiskinen, a 21‑year‑old Finnish right‑winger, entered the NHL conversation after being selected 68th overall in the 2023 draft by the Nashville Predators and subsequently traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
A Draft Story in the Making
The Red Wings signed him to a three‑year entry‑level contract on June 3, 2025, positioning the young forward for a potential roster spot as the organization assesses his readiness.
In Finland’s Liiga, Kiiskinen posted 17 goals and 11 assists during the 2025‑26 season, helping his club finish atop the junior scoring charts with 44 points, while also contributing six goals in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship that propelled Finland to a silver medal.
His performance earned him a place on the senior Finnish roster for the tournament, where his physical presence and high‑end wrist shot stood out, even as he logged a modest 1 goal and 1 assist in three AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins before being dropped from the playoff roster.
Strengths and Limitations
Kiiskinen’s game is built around his size, a heavy wrist shot and willingness to engage in the corners, traits that make him a formidable presence in front of the net.
However, his lack of top‑tier speed and inconsistent playmaking keep him from being a complete offensive threat at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
If the Finn can sharpen his skating and add a more versatile skill set, Detroit’s management believes he could become a reliable depth scorer, but the timeline remains uncertain.