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NY Islanders and Bridgeport Islanders forward Otto Koivula leaves for SHL

By Michael Stahurski |
Winnipeg Jets v New York Islanders
Winnipeg Jets v New York Islanders / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

The NY Islanders lost another member from their AHL affiliate as Otto Koivula will leave the Bridgeport Islanders for the Växjö Lakers of the SHL.

Koivula, 25, was drafted in the fourth round, 120th overall in 2016, spending most of his time with the organization playing in Bridgeport. He made the transition to North America before the 2018-19 season, after spending his entire professional career playing in Finland.

Koivula started his career with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on fire, finishing second on the team in points with 46 (21 G, 25 A) in 69 games.

Koivula's play saw him earn an early all-up during the 2019-20 season, making his NHL debut on Nov. 16th. He played in 12 games that season, failing to register a point before being returned to Bridgeport.

Koivula didn't see the NHL again until the 2021-22 season, making a cameo while the Islanders were eviscerated by COVID early in the season. He earned his first career point against the New York Rangers, earning an assist on the Islanders' lone goal by Andy Andreoff - a game where the Islanders were forced to call up a handful of players from Bridgeport.

Koivula was poised to become a bottom-6 center for the Islanders, but only made 28 appearances with the Islanders, tallying just four assists.

Joining Växjö, Koivula will see an elevated role on one of the SHL's top teams. Last season, Växjö finished the regular season with the league's second-best record but were swept during the semi-finals.

"I was very happy when the opportunity to play for such a prestigious organization as Växjö Lakers appeared," Koivula told the Växjö Lakers website, translated from Swedish. "It will be fun to become part of the winning culture. The chance to compete for championships with a team that has a history of success made it an easy choice for me to come to Växjö. I am ready to start this new chapter in my hockey career with the Lakers and look forward to getting to know my teammates, coaches, and amazing fans."

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