Janne Niinimaa is a former professional ice hockey player from Finland who played as a defenseman. He began his career in the Finnish league, playing for TPS Turku, before moving to North America to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Niinimaa was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 1996-1997 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. He played for the Flyers for four seasons before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 2000.
Niinimaa played for the Oilers for three seasons, during which he was named an NHL All-Star in 2002. He was then traded to the New York Islanders in 2003, where he played for two seasons. He finished his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, playing for them in the 2006-2007 season.
Throughout his NHL career, Niinimaa was known for his strong defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice. He was also a physical player, known for his hard hits and willingness to stand up for his teammates.
After leaving the NHL, Niinimaa returned to Finland to play for TPS Turku once again. He also played for the Finnish national team, representing his country in several international tournaments.
Niinimaa retired from professional hockey in 2012 and has since worked as a coach and commentator. He is widely regarded as one of the best Finnish defensemen to have played in the NHL and is remembered for his toughness and skill on the ice.
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