New York Islanders defensive prospect Matias Rajaniemi wants to make the New York Islanders.

“Making the NHL would be awesome,” Rajaniemi said. “One day, I hope it can happen.”

The 183rd overall pick was one of the youngest players eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft at 17-years-old.

“Getting drafted by the Islanders so young is a dream come true,” Rajaniemi said. “Lou Lamoriello is a legend and hearing him call my name was a great feeling.”

Lamoriello and his staff were in contact with Rajaniemi throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was not surprised to be drafted by the Islanders,” Rajaniemi said. “They were in contact with me before the NHL Draft and I had a feeling that would be my team.”

While Rajaniemi’s play style is enticing enough, the Islanders made sure to find out what type of person the Finn is too.

“The interview process was unique,” Rajaniemi said. “The scouts focused on me off the ice. The Islanders care about me as a person and I feel very valued by the organization.”

The Islanders have many reasons to value their new defenseman. Rajaniemi skated in five different levels of play last season, including the Finnish Elite League (Liiga).

“Playing in Liiga is great,” Rajaniemi said. “Suiting up with grown men is very challenging and a huge step for me. It is helping me take my game to new heights.”

Rajaniemi knows a thing or two about height. At 6’4” and 205 pounds, he is already one of the tallest players in the Islanders system.

“My height is important,” Rajaniemi said. “I have a long stick and am active with it. I am a big guy, but I can skate as well, which is very important.” 

Rajaniemi uses his size as a weapon, creating a physical arsenal. He took 24 penalty minutes in 39 games with the Lahti Pelicans last year.

“Physicality is crucial,” Rajaniemi said. “Hockey is certainly changing, but I want to make sure I take my guys off the puck as fast as possible, using my size and hitting the player when necessary.”

Rajaniemi got on the scoresheet as well, nabbing 17 points.

“I am great with the puck and can make the right decisions,” Rajaniemi said. “I play defense to the best of my abilities and try to score as well. Defense is very important, but offense is important too.”

His two-way play earned the respect of his coaches, as he played over 22 minutes a night as a teenager.

“I love playing hockey and the more I play, the better,” Rajaniemi said. “It is always fun when the coaches trust you and you get a lot of ice time. Playing big minutes, especially so young, is great.”

This trust transitioned to the power-play, where Rajaniemi quarterbacked the Pelicans’ extra-man unit.

“I enjoy playing on the power-play,” Rajaniemi said. “When we are on the man advantage, I try to be smart and make the safe play. It is something I am good at and will look to improve upon.”

The only defenseman selected by the Islanders represents New York’s team-first identity.

“I do not care about points or numbers,” Rajaniemi said. “Instead, I work hard everyday and try to be the best player I can be. Each practice I improve and get better.”

Rajaniemi represents a culture the New York Islanders are building. He is a physical and tenacious athlete who gives his all each shift.

Lamoriello selected him for a reason. Late in drafts, when top-end talent grows more scarce, the players that work the hardest often have the most success.

Rajaniemi is just that — a dynamo — and he will fit right in on Lamoriello’s character-rich, conscientious squad.

“You have to change every day,” Lamoriello said two years ago. “The game has changed. But the one thing that has remained constant is character and work ethic.”

Photo courtesy of the New York Islanders Official Website

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