Lauri Korpikoski
A swift and tenacious Finnish winger who carved out a long NHL career with his responsible two-way play and penalty-killing grit.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Finnish ice hockey player·Birthday: July 28·Millennials
Biography
Drafted in the first round by the New York Rangers, Lauri Korpikoski arrived in the NHL with the label of a skilled European scorer. He quickly adapted his game to the North American style, transforming into a valuable and versatile middle-six forward. His greatest success came with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes, where under coach Dave Tippett's demanding system, Korpikoski flourished as a defensive specialist. His speed made him a constant shorthanded threat, and he became a fixture on the Coyotes' penalty kill for six seasons. While he never put up gaudy point totals, his consistency, hockey sense, and ability to play up and down the lineup made him a sought-after asset, leading to stints with Edmonton, Dallas, and Columbus. After over 600 NHL games, Korpikoski returned to Finland, bringing his veteran presence and complete game back to the Liiga, where his career began.
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.
Lauri was born in 1986, 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 Lauri Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lauri's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
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
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 600 regular-season games in the NHL across a decade-long career.
- Was a key penalty-killer and defensive forward for the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes for six seasons.
- Scored a career-high 17 goals and 34 points during the 2011-12 season with Phoenix.
- Represented Finland at the IIHF World Championships, winning a silver medal in 2014.
Did You Know?
He won the Lars-Erik Sjöberg award as the New York Rangers' best rookie in training camp in 2008.
He is known by the nickname 'Korpi'.
He played for TPS in the Finnish Liiga both before his NHL career and after returning to Europe.
His father, Jari Korpikoski, was also a professional ice hockey player.
“You have to be reliable in your own end and earn the coach's trust.”
