Riikola, a defenseman from Joensuu, Finland, was never drafted by an NHL team and appeared settled in for a long career in Liiga, Finland's top professional league. But after scoring a career-high eight goals with KalPa in 2017-18, his fifth full season in Liiga, Riikola signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 18, 2018.

He had a strong training camp, made his NHL debut against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 11, 2018, scored his first NHL point, an assist, at the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 28 and scored his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues on Dec. 29, 2018. Riikola finished his first NHL season with five points (two goals, three assists) in 37 games, showing a big shot and the ability to move the puck.

Riikola played 36 games for the Penguins in 2019-20, including some time playing as a forward because of injuries. He scored seven points (one goal, six assists), averaging 13:53 of ice time.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, May 18, 2018.