Winnipeg Jets‘ third year Finnish-born right wing Joel Armia(40) is likely very much enjoying his new found time in the NHL in what is a contract year for the future restricted free agent.
At 6’3″ 205 lbs. he’s got good size and can play an intimidating power forward style but still needs to prove he’ll be able to play an effective two-way game in the big league.
In 3 games he’s skated an average of 14 shifts for roughly 10 minutes per contest, had 2 shots on net, 4 hits, 2 breakups, 1 giveaway and 2 takeaways with a 0 rating in 2 losses on 1 win.
Originally a Buffalo Sabres‘ 1st round pick in the 2011 draft (#16 overall), he played for a year and a half in their system (including one game with the parent club) before being part of a big trade.
He spent a successful rookie season with Rochester Americans scoring 7 goals and 20 assists and would add to those totals in his sophomore campaign with 12 tallies and 21 helpers, splitting time with new AHL squad, St. John’s IceCaps after the transaction.
The 22-year old started his pro career playing three seasons in his home country’s top league with Assat and even won the 2013 SM-liiga Championship.
It will definitely be interesting to watch if he can catch on.