The best player in NY Islanders history from each country in the 4 Nations Face-Off

Finland

Mikko Mäkelä, Tempere, FIN

Only 11 players from Finland have ever donned the blue and orange, and it’s hard to argue anybody but Mikko Mäkelä is the best of the bunch.

Drafted in the fourth round in 1983, Mäkelä made his NHL debut in 1985. His best campaign came during the 1987-88 season, finishing third in the team with 76 points (36 G, 40 A) in 73 games, behind LaFontaine and Bryan Trottier.

Mäkela played five seasons on Long Island, finishing with 219 (95 G, 124 A) in 307 games. 

His time with the Isles came to an end during the 1989-90 season when he was traded to the LA Kings for Mike Baumgartner and Hubie McDonough. 

Mäkelä’s 219 points are by far the most for any Finnish player in Islanders history, as Valterri Filppula sits second with 31, playing only one season for the Islanders.

Other notables: Olli Jokinen