Roope Laavainen Explained

Position:Defenseman
Team:HPK
League:Liiga
Former Teams:Jukurit
Shoots:Right
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:201
Birth Date:1998 8, df=yes
Birth Place:Helsinki, Finland
Draft:119th overall
Draft Year:2017
Draft Team:Chicago Blackhawks
Career Start:2017

Roope Laavainen (born 23 August 1998) is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for HPK of the Finnish Liiga. He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round, 119th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Laavainen played as a youth with Jokerit's U20 team in the Jr. A, prior to his selection to the Blackhawks.[1] He left the Jokerit organization to remain in Finland and sign a three-year contract with HPK of the Liiga on 28 April 2017.[2]

During the 2018–19 season, Laavainen registered 2 points in 10 games with HPK before he was loaned for two months to fellow Liiga club, Mikkelin Jukurit, on 27 November 2018.[3] Adding 1 assist in 5 games with Jukurit, Laavainen returned to HPK on 8 January 2019.

Career statistics

Team League GP GPG A Pts PIM
2016–17JokeritJr. A485162142
2017–18HPKLiiga3904431
2017–18LeKiMestis15112451232
2018–19HPKJr. A3011231232
2018–19HPKLiiga15123220000
2018–19TUTO HockeyMestis51012
2018–19JukuritLiiga50114
2018–19LeKiMestis1748126101126
Liiga totals591783720000

Awards & honors

AwardYear
Liiga
Champion (HPK)2019

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Roope Laavainen player profile. eliteprospects.com . 2017-06-25 . 2017-06-25.
  2. Web site: HPK announces 9 new contracts . . 2017-04-28. 2017-04-28 . Finnish.
  3. Web site: Jukurit secure Laavainen on loan from HPK . . 2018-11-27 . 2018-11-27 . Finnish.