7 Facts: Robin Salo

Robin Salo made his NHL debut on Saturday night - and at UBS Arena of all places. Get to know the 2017 second-round pick as he made his New York Islanders debut in the latest edition of 7 Facts.

2. HE'S AN OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN

Salo finished his European career with a bang, racking up 30 points (6G, 24A) in 51 games with Örebro HK, good for ninth among SHL d-men. His 30 points were eight back of the team lead and his 24 assists led Örebro HK. He carried that touch over to Bridgeport where he recorded eight points (2G, 6A) in 14 games with the Islanders, leading team d-men before his callup.
As a pro, Salo has recorded 58 points (13G, 45A) in 220 games in Liiga, 36 points (7G, 29A) in 63 games in the SHL and eight points (2G, 6A) in 14 AHL games.

3. HE'S FINNISH

Salo hails from Espoo, Finland. He's represented his country at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge (2015), two World U18 Championships (2015, 2016), and one World Junior Hockey Championship (2018).

4. HE'S WON A U-18 GOLD

Salo won a gold medal at the 2016 U-18s with Finalnd, as well as a silver medal at the 2015 U-18s. Salo wore an A during Finland's run to the gold medal in 2016.

5. HIS DAD PLAYED PRO IN FINLAND

Salo's father, Robert, played seven seasons in SM-liiga, the Finnish top league now known as Liiga. He played all seven seasons with Kiekko-Espoo (who rebranded as Espoo Blues in 1998-99). Like Robin, Robert was a defenseman, racking up 57 points (21G, 36A) in 321 pro games.

6. HE'LL WEAR NUMBER 2

The left-handed defenseman will wear number two. Salo is the 15th player to wear the number for the Islanders and the first since Nick Leddy (2014-21).

7. HE PLAYED A TEAM-HIGH 21:42 IN HIS DEBUT

Salo led the Islanders with 21:42 TOI, which was partly aided by his 4:14 on the power play in a game that feature six Islanders man advantages. The left-handed d-man also had a game-high four blocked shots and drew positive reviews from Head Coach Barry Trotz.
"He had a really good camp and played in the elite league in Sweden and we know he's a good young player," Trotz said. "He's got lots of poise and handles the puck really well, he sees the ice really well. On the power play he's got lots of deception, but I love the fact that he gets it and he moves it and it opens up some lanes."