COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center Oiva Keskinen to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Keskinen, 21, was a seventh-round pick, 194th overall, in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Over two seasons with Tappara in Finland’s Liiga, he tallied 22 goals and 40 assists, accumulating 62 points in 113 games. His performance included five power play goals and a +16 plus/minus rating.
In the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot, 181-pound native of Ylojarvi, Finland, achieved career highs with 15 goals and 20 assists in 59 games, ranking second on his team in goals. He was also a standout among players 22 and younger in Liiga, ranking second in goals and tied for fifth in points.
Keskinen made his Liiga debut in the 2023-24 season, recording 7 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, and was a finalist for the Wasama Award, given to the league’s Rookie of the Year. Additionally, he represented Finland at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists in seven games.