Markus Niemeläinen leaves the Oilers organization

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Finnegan Frost
September 13, 2024 (11:01)

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Breaking new out of Oil Country as defensive prospect Markus Niemeläinen exits the Oilers organization.

New reports from Oilers insider indicate that defensive prospect Markus Niemeläinen leaves the Oilers/Bakersfield Condors to join Eisbaren Berlin in Germany.

According to Liam McCormick of Oilers insider, Niemelainen was selected by the Oilers in the 2016 entry draft, 63rd overall. Many felt that he would have great success with the Oilers, but sadly this was not the case as he only played 43 games in his NHL career with a total of 20 games with the Oilers.

It became clear that he was going to be a perennial AHL player and had spent the bulk of his time with the Bakersfield Condors. The notion was that he would be an excellent defensive defenseman as he stands 6 foot 5 and 200 lbs which would give them a physical edge from the back end.

Between the Condors and the Oilers, he played 43 games, with one assist in eight penalty minutes. These numbers are brutal and were expected to be far better.

Once known as one of the best defensive prospects in the Oilers farm system, Markus Niemeläinen will be taking his skills overseas to Berlin.

Source: Oilers Daily
Oilers defenseman leaves organization to sign with German team