New York Islanders prospect Matias Rajaniemi has been named to Finland’s preliminary roster for the 2021 World Junior Championship.
Finland has named its preliminary roster for the WJC. Notably not on the list: Would-be returnees Aatu Raty (2021) and Patrik Puistola (CAR). Puistola had eight points at last year’s WJC, second most on the team. https://t.co/N1hwSKmFbxpic.twitter.com/I0DZK7fcwG
Rajaniemi, a left-handed defenseman, was selected by the Islanders in the sixth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He’s currently playing in Finland’s highest professional league, where he’s scored two points in 18 games.
Rajaniemi was not a member of last year’s team but also has another year of eligibility remaining, meaning he could compete in the 2022 tournament as well. He’s one of 10 defensemen listed on the preliminary roster, which will need to be cut down before the tournament.
This wraps up the preliminary rosters for each of the ‘Big Five’ teams at the World Juniors.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Do you think Matias Rajaniemi will make Finland's final WJC roster?
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