A former Edmonton Oilers goaltender has officially retired from playing hockey to work as a Finnish player agent.
Mikko Koskinen seemed to be a possible star goaltender in the NHL started when the New York Islanders, drafted him 31st overall in 2009. However, he only played four games with the team during the 2010-11 season, spending much of the duration of his contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, their AHL affiliate. Despite this, he still earned kudos for his saves as the Isles #1.
Mikko Koskinen then spent several years looking for a better chance to build up his goaltending prowess, spending several years in the KHL. After two years with Novosibirsk Sbir and four with St. Petersburg SKA, the then 30-year-old goaltender returned to the NHL to play four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers from 2018 to 2022. Despite an okay save percentage of .903 and 2.98 goals-against-average during his stint, he ended up with much of the ire of Oilers fans and his head coach Dave Tippett. Afterward, he departed the team to play in Switzerland.
"It's not nice being thrown under the bus. I have to be better, but at the same time, we scored seven goals in my last six losses. I can't score goals."
Though it has been two years since his last NHL game, the former Edmonton Oiler goaltender has officially retired from the league. The 36- year-old will pursue a career in the player agency business in Finland, his home country. Per Ilta Sanomat, the former goaltender has already released his shareholding in Kiekko-Espoo in the SM-liiga and was approved by the players' association.
"Former NHL goaltender Mikko Koskinen has ended his playing career and moved on to a new job in the ice hockey business.
"The 36-year-old Koskinen has started working as a player agent. The players' association announced at the end of July that Koskinen had been accepted as a registered agent.
"During his playing career, Koskinen was a client of the large agency Wasserman. Now he works for a small office in Helsinki.
"As an agent, Koskinen has given up his shareholding in SM-liiga club Kiekko-Espoo. This is reflected in the club's shareholder register."
While most professional hockey players likely wish they could play forever, Mikko Koskinen realized he is past his time to shine behind the crease. Thankfully, he already as more than a foot in the door on his next adventure. Hopefully, it will be as rewarding and fruitful as his career on the ice.
