Esa Tikkanen is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 15 seasons. He was known for his versatility, tenacity, and ability to play in all situations. Tikkanen played for several teams during his career, including the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, and Washington Capitals.
Tikkanen began his professional career in Finland, playing for HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League. He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in the 1985-86 season. Tikkanen quickly established himself as a valuable player for the Oilers, helping the team win five Stanley Cup championships in seven years.
Tikkanen was known for his defensive skills and his ability to shut down opposing teams' top players. He was also a strong penalty killer and a reliable scorer, often contributing key goals in important games. Tikkanen played on a line with Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri for much of his time in Edmonton, forming one of the most dominant lines in NHL history.
In 1993, Tikkanen was traded to the New York Rangers, where he played a key role in the team's Stanley Cup championship that year. He continued to play for several teams over the next few years, including the St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, and Florida Panthers. Tikkanen's final NHL season was in 1998-99, when he played for the Washington Capitals.
Throughout his career, Tikkanen was known for his intensity and his willingness to do whatever it took to win. He was a fierce competitor who never backed down from a challenge, and his teammates and coaches respected him for his work ethic and his leadership. Tikkanen was also known for his colorful personality and his sense of humor, which made him a fan favorite wherever he played.
After retiring from the NHL, Tikkanen returned to Finland and played for several more seasons in the Finnish Elite League. He also worked as a coach and a scout for various teams in Finland and Sweden. Tikkanen was inducted into the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002, and his number 10 jersey was retired by HIFK Helsinki in 2006. He remains one of the most beloved and respected players in Finnish hockey history.
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