Saarijarvi was traded from the Coyotes to the Blackhawks on Tuesday in exchange for a third-round pick in 2025 via the Rangers.
Saarijarvi's NHL rights changed hands as part of the larger deal that made Patrick Kane a Ranger. Saarijarvi has 33 points in 49 games with SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League. At 25 years old, it's unlikely he'll receive a look in the NHL at any time in the near future.
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Vili Saarijarvi: Returning to Finland
Rotowire
Saarijarvi inked a two-year contract with Lukko (Finland) on Friday.
After toiling in the minors for the last three seasons, Saarijarvi will head back to his native Finland. Drafted by the Red Wings in the third round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the 23-year-old hasn't been able to crack an NHL roster thus far. If he puts together a strong 2020-21 campaign overseas, it's possible he'll get another look at making his NHL debut.
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Coyotes' Vili Saarijarvi: Shipped to Arizona
Rotowire
The Red Wings traded Saarijarvi to Arizona in exchange for goaltender Eric Comrie on Saturday.
The Red Wings bring in much-needed goaltender depth, while the Coyotes take a prospect in need of a fresh environment. Saarijarvi -- a 2015 third-round pick -- has played in 83 games for AHL Grand Rapids since the start of last season, posting two goals and 15 assists. The 22-year-old will report to AHL Tucson and look to continue his development.
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Red Wings' Vili Saarijarvi: Will start new campaign in AHL
Rotowire
Saarijarvi will start the new season with AHL Grand Rapids, according to Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, MLive.com reports.
The blue-line prospect didn't end up on the scoresheet in Wednesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Penguins, but that certainly doesn't mean that Detroit's bench boss overlooked his performance. "I thought Vili played real well. Vili jumps up in the play," Blashill said. "I think Vili is in a good spot to have a real good year in Grand Rapids and build on what was a real good prospects tournament."
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Red Wings' Vili Saarijarvi: Performs well in development camp
Rotowire
Saarijarvi and fellow defenseman Filip Hronek stood out among prospects at the Red Wings' development camp.
Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill explained that it was "4-on-4 summer hockey" on display at camp and advised against reading too much into a given player's performance, but Saarijarvi and Hronek still managed to get scouts talking. Saarijarvi's only 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, so naturally he's been working on his strength this early in his career. If there was any question about where the pair of European prospects will be playing this upcoming season, Blashill made it abundantly clear. "I hope they have real good years in (AHL) Grand Rapids," he said.
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Red Wings' Vili Saarijarvi: Focusing on strength at development camp
Rotowire
Saarijarvi, who's been participating in Detroit's development camp, said he's focused on getting stronger to complement his quickness on the ice.
Listed at 5-foot-10 and only 172 pounds, Saarijarvi certainly needs to bulk up to avoid getting physically destroyed in the NHL. "I'm probably not going to grow that much anymore or get much taller, so I just need to add some power so I can be ready to battle and move quickly in every way," Saarijarvi said. "I think the game has gotten quicker but at the same time there are still guys that play hard and strong, I can play a quick game, I have to improve my strength and get stronger." The Finn produced 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 34 regular-season games for OHL Mississauga this past season, so at least at the lower level he's shown an ability to compensate for his small stature.
