After a tepid rookie season in the Liiga–the top league in Finland–with six points in 38 games in 2023-24, Emil Pieniniemi, a 2023 third round pick, made the jump to North America for the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL and emerged as one of the top offensive defensemen in the league with 60 points in 60 games–fourth on the team and sixth among all OHL blueliners. Additionally, Pieniniemi served as one of the assistant captains for Finland at the 2025 World Junior Championship, recording three points in six games and earning a Silver medal. At 6’2″ but only 176 lbs., expect Pieniniemi to try to add some weight while adjusting to the AHL level.