Janne Niinimaa

Janne Henrik Niinimaa (born May 22, 1975) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player.

He played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens.

He also played in the Finnish SM-liiga, Swedish Elitserien, Swiss National League A, and Swedish Allsvenskan.

Niinimaa was selected in the second round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 36th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Following three seasons playing with Jokerit in Helsinki, Finland, Niinimaa made his debut with the Flyers in the 1996–97 NHL season, posting 44 points and a +12 rating, and being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

Despite these accolades, Ninimaa is perhaps best remembered for Darren McCarty's deke around him resulting in a goal in Game 4 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, in which McCarty's Detroit Red Wings swept Niinimaa's Flyers.

In the following 1998 season, Niinimaa was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he spent parts of six seasons.

Niinimaa has twice represented Finland at the Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 1998, and was on the national team when Finland won its first World Championship gold medal.

He earned himself an All-Star appearance in the 2000–01 NHL regular season.

He was traded to the New York Islanders in 2003 and then was traded to the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.

During the NHL lockout, Niinimaa returned to play in his native Finland.

On 2 August 2008, Niinimaa married Jaana Kehusmaa, a model from Oulu, at Kiiminki Church.

Teemu Selänne, Saku Koivu, and Timo Jutila were among the invitees.

They separated in July 2012.

Niinimaa retired on 10 February 2014.