Ice hockey: Joel Kiviranta returns to Dallas Stars' 'Finnish squad'

Finnish forward Joel Kiviranta is returning to the Dallas Stars, signing a one-year contract worth $1 million. The Stars welcomed him back on social media, stating, "WELCOME HOME, KIVI."

Kiviranta, 30, was never drafted into the NHL but earned a contract with the Stars organization at 23 after being a surprise player on the 2019 Finnish World Championship gold medal team. He played four seasons in Dallas before moving to division rival Colorado Avalanche. After a tryout and time in the AHL, Kiviranta secured an NHL deal with the Avalanche, where he played for three seasons.

Last season, Kiviranta played 51 regular-season games, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists, and added no points in five playoff games. He also scored two goals in five games for Finland at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, helping the team win bronze. Kiviranta is known as a hard-working player for the bottom lines.

He is still remembered for his remarkable debut season performance: a hat-trick in the decisive Game 7 of the second playoff round in the COVID-19 bubble, which propelled Dallas to a victory over Colorado. Kiviranta will reunite with fellow Finns Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, and Esa Lindell in Dallas. He is also familiar with Mikko Rantanen from their time with the Avalanche. Dallas also recently signed Arttu Hyry to a two-year extension and has young prospect Emil Hemming under contract.