NY Islanders prospect Jesse Nurmi is back in top form after devastating injury

After a week of competition, the 2024 World Junior Showcase has concluded. While much of the hype surrounding the four NY Islanders prospects competing was focused on Cole Eiserman, Jesse Nurmi was perhaps the most impressive among all competitors.

Among the four competing nations, Nurmi led all players in points, finishing with 6 (2 G, 4 A) in four games, including a three-point game in a 5-3 victory against Team USA.

The 19-year-old Finnish winger, who signed his ELC with the Islanders in June, missed the 2024 World Junior Championship, suffering an early season while playing with his club team, KooKoo.

While laid up in Finland during his recovery, the Islanders made it a point to be there for their 2023 fourth-round pick, sending members of the organization overseas to be at Nurmi's side.

"Their development coaches came to visit here just before my injury, then they came again when I was injured," Nurmi told Tiia Honkamaa (translated from Finnish) of Jatkoaika.com in March. "We went to eat and watch games with them. They have also given tips on, for example, playing defense."

While Nurmi could not be on the ice, he and the Islanders' development coaches watched game video, deciphering areas Nurmi could improve once healthy.

"During the injury, we watched the early season matches on video, which was a good time for that and a bit different," Nurmi said. "It allowed me to think about what I could do differently when I get back to playing."

In February, Nurmi returned to action with KooKoo, playing 19 games between Liiga and the U20 team. Now, it appears Nurmi will be one of Finland's leaders at the 2025 WJC in Ottawa.

Last week, Nurmi officially signed with the London Knights of the OHL after drafting him in the fourth round of the CHL Import Draft. Nurmi will join the defending OHL Champions for his first foray into North American Hockey, as he prepares to turn professional the following year