Joel Kiviranta’s journey through the NHL has been anything but linear, but right now, the 29-year-old is making the most of every opportunity - and doing it on one of hockey’s biggest stages.
Since signing with the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent in 2023, Kiviranta has slowly carved out a more prominent role in the lineup. He was brought in as a depth piece, but his play has gradually earned him more trust from the coaching staff. After never scoring more than eight goals in a season during his time with the Dallas Stars, Kiviranta broke through in 2024-25 with 16 goals across 79 games - a timely emergence for an Avalanche squad that was searching for secondary scoring.
Now, he’s not just contributing in the NHL - he’s representing Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and doing it in style.
In Finland’s dominant 11-0 win over Italy, Kiviranta found the back of the net twice, adding another chapter to what’s quietly becoming a very solid season. Finland’s roster is stacked with NHL talent - names like Sebastian Aho, Artturi Lehkonen, and former Avs star Mikko Rantanen - but Kiviranta didn’t look out of place. He played with confidence and capitalized on his chances, showing that he can be more than just a bottom-six grinder when given the opportunity.
And that’s been the theme with Kiviranta: making the most of the chances he’s earned.
Back in August, the Avalanche inked him to a one-year extension worth $1.125 million - a low-risk deal that’s already looking like a smart piece of business. While his counting stats this season - two goals and five assists in 28 games - don’t jump off the page, they don’t tell the whole story. He’s averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time per game, a number that reflects Colorado’s deep forward corps more than it does his individual play.
With the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog on the horizon following the Olympic break, it’s possible Kiviranta’s role remains limited. But even in a reduced role, he’s proven to be a reliable, versatile option - the kind of player every contending team needs come playoff time.
And now, he brings Olympic experience to the table. That matters, especially in a locker room that’s eyeing another deep postseason run.
Kiviranta’s path to this point hasn’t always been smooth, but he’s stayed ready. He’s showing that when the lights get brighter - whether it’s on NHL ice or the Olympic stage - he can rise to the moment. Finland would be wise to keep giving him minutes, because right now, he’s making them count.