Valtteri Filppula is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on March 20, 1984, in Vantaa, Finland, and began playing hockey at a young age. Filppula started his professional career in Finland's top league, the SM-liiga, playing for Jokerit Helsinki. He played for Jokerit from 2002 to 2005, where he won the SM-liiga championship in 2002.
In 2005, Filppula was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2005-2006 season and quickly became a key player for the Red Wings. Filppula played for the Red Wings for eight seasons, from 2005 to 2013, during which he won the Stanley Cup in 2008. He was known for his versatility, playing both center and wing positions, and his ability to contribute offensively and defensively.
In 2013, Filppula signed a five-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played for the Lightning from 2013 to 2017, during which he helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2015. Filppula was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017, where he played for two seasons before being traded back to the Detroit Red Wings in 2019.
Filppula has also represented Finland in international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Championships. He won a bronze medal with Finland at the 2010 Winter Olympics and a silver medal at the 2016 World Championships.
Throughout his career, Filppula has been known for his strong two-way play, his ability to play in all situations, and his leadership on and off the ice. He has been a consistent point producer, with over 500 points in his NHL career. Filppula has also been recognized for his defensive play, winning the NHL's Lady Byng Trophy in 2014 for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
In 2021, Filppula announced his retirement from professional hockey after 16 seasons in the NHL. He will be remembered as a skilled and versatile player who contributed to his teams' success both on and off the ice.
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