Finnish-born, undrafted Syracuse Crunch rookie goaltender Iiro Tarkki(35) put up some pretty impressive numbers in his first season of AHL action with a 24-17 win/loss record and a 2.45 gaa and .925 SV%. He played less well against a loaded St. John’s IceCaps‘ team in the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
He was signed to a one-year entry level deal by Anaheim Ducks and appeared in one game for them getting his first NHL win in his only game, but he also let up a goal on the first shot he faced and was lit up for another 2 in only 9 more in the two periods he played in relief. It just so happened the Ducks popped in 7 goals to get him the W.
We honestly think he didn’t want to spend another year in the minors so decided to sign on with Salavat Yulaev of the KHL and work that angle. He started his career playing three years for the top league in his own country.
At 26-years old, he may just be one of those late-bloomers, because he seems to have a pretty good skill set.
