Miikka Salomäki
A hard-nosed, energy-forward from Finland who carved out an NHL career with relentless physical play and defensive responsibility.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Finnish ice hockey player·Birthday: March 9·Millennials
Biography
Miikka Salomäki built his professional identity on grit. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2011, the Finnish winger's calling card was never flashy offense but a punishing, north-south game. He made his North American debut with the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL, where his robust style quickly translated. Salomäki earned his NHL shot with Nashville, becoming a fan favorite for his willingness to throw his body around, kill penalties, and provide a spark with a big hit. His time in the NHL included stints with the Predators and the New Jersey Devils, where he played the same honest, physical role. In 2022, he returned to his native Finland to play for SaiPa in the Liiga, bringing his experience and workmanlike approach to the league where he first developed as a youth.
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.
Miikka was born in 1993, 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 Miikka Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Miikka's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected 52nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
- Represented Finland at multiple World Junior Championships, winning a gold medal in 2014.
- Played over 200 regular-season games in the NHL across seven seasons.
- Won a silver medal with Finland at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.
Did You Know?
He served as captain for Finland's U20 team at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
Salomäki is known for having one of the hardest shots on his teams, despite his role as a bottom-six forward.
His father, Jari Salomäki, was also a professional ice hockey player in Finland.
“I play the game straight ahead and let the hits fall where they may.”
