After retiring, former Oilers goalie Koskinen accepts a new role as a player agent
At the age of 36, Mikko Koskinen, the former goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, has decided to hang up his skates.
The veteran goalie, known for his tenure with the Oilers, has opted to retire from professional hockey. However, Koskinen isn't stepping away from the ice completely; he's transitioning to a new role within the sport.
According to a report from Ilta Sanomat
A Finnish news outlet, Koskinen will be taking up the mantle of a player agent in Liiga, Finland's premier hockey league. This move marks a significant shift in his career trajectory, from guarding the net to guiding the careers of upcoming players in his homeland.
Mikko Koskinen's journey through the world of professional hockey is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Initially drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft, Koskinen's North American career was brief, spanning just four games with the Islanders and several more in the AHL. He soon moved to Europe, where he found substantial success, notably in the KHL. Koskinen's time in the KHL was highlighted by two Gagarin Cup victories, underscoring his skill and perseverance.
His return to the NHL in 2018 on a one-year contract with the Oilers marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter. Koskinen's performance during his initial stint was promising enough to earn him a two-year contract extension. However, the following seasons saw a dip in his playing time and performance, leading to him eventually losing the starting position in the 2020-21 season. After one additional season with the Oilers, he moved to Sweden, playing two seasons before deciding on retirement.
In his 168 NHL games, Koskinen amassed 85 wins and maintained a save percentage of .906 and a goals against average of 3.01. Despite facing criticism from fans and media over his $4.5 million salary cap hit, which many deemed excessive, Koskinen's career reflects the resilience and dedication typical of professional athletes.
As he steps into his new role as a player agent, Mikko Koskinen remains within the hockey community, ready to impart his extensive experience and knowledge to the next generation of players. While it's likely that his agency work will be confined to Finland, the impact of his career and his future contributions to the sport will resonate with hockey fans and players alike. As the goalie turns the page to this new chapter, both fans and players watch with anticipation and wish him success in his endeavors off the ice.
Source for Koskinen stats: PuckPedia - Mikko Koskinen
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