Suomela, a center who is a native of Epsoo, Finland, made his debut in Liiga, Finland's top pro league, with his hometown team in 2015-16, then spent the next two seasons with JYP. He led Liiga in scoring during the 2017-18 season with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games.
That generated interest from NHL teams, and he signed with the San Jose Sharks on June 6, 2018. Suomela made his NHL debut on Oct. 3, 2018, and earned his first point, an assist, two nights later against the Los Angeles Kings.
Suomela, a center who is a native of Epsoo, Finland, made his debut in Liiga, Finland's top pro league, with his hometown team in 2015-16, then spent the next two seasons with JYP. He led Liiga in scoring during the 2017-18 season with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games.
That generated interest from NHL teams, and he signed with the San Jose Sharks on June 6, 2018. Suomela made his NHL debut on Oct. 3, 2018, and earned his first point, an assist, two nights later against the Los Angeles Kings.
Suomela played 27 games in 2018-19 and had eight points (three goals, five assists).
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- Signed as a free agent by San Jose, June 6, 2018.
- Traded to Toronto by San Jose for Alexander Barabanov, April 12, 2021.
