Joonas Nättinen
A versatile Finnish center who carved out a steady professional hockey career across European leagues after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Finnish ice hockey player·Birthday: January 3·Millennials
Biography
Joonas Nättinen's hockey journey is a classic tale of a skilled European prospect navigating the narrow path to the NHL. Drafted by the historic Montreal Canadiens in 2009, the Finnish center possessed the two-way intelligence and faceoff prowess that teams covet. He honed his game in the Finnish SM-liiga with JYP Jyväskylä, developing into a reliable, detail-oriented forward. While his North American stint included time in the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the ultimate NHL breakthrough remained elusive. Nättinen then expertly pivoted, establishing himself as a valuable and consistent contributor in top European leagues. He found significant success in Switzerland's National League with Geneve-Servette, and later in the Swedish Hockey League, where his defensive responsibility and playoff experience made him a sought-after asset for clubs aiming for championships.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joonas was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joonas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Joonas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 65th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
- Won the Finnish Liiga championship (Kanada-malja) with JYP Jyväskylä in the 2011-2012 season.
- Played over 200 games in the Swiss National League A, primarily for Geneve-Servette HC.
- Established a long professional career spanning over a decade across Finland, North America, Switzerland, and Sweden.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Mikael Nättinen, was also a professional hockey player in Finland.
He served as an alternate captain for Geneve-Servette HC during his time in Switzerland.
He represented Finland at the World U18 Championships and the World Junior Championships.
After his playing career, he moved into a coaching role within a Finnish hockey academy.
“My job is to win the next face-off and control the middle of the ice.”
