Joel Armia
Joel Armia - Canadiens Capitals Hockey (51707629995).jpg
Armia with the Montreal Canadiens in 2021
Born (1993-05-31) 31 May 1993
Pori, Finland
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb)
Position Right wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams		 Montreal Canadiens
Porin Ässät
Buffalo Sabres
Winnipeg Jets
National team  Finland
NHL Draft 16th overall, 2011
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2010–present

Joel Armia (born 31 May 1993) is a Finnish professional ice hockey right winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He originally played professionally in his native Finland with Porin Ässät of the SM-liiga.[1] He was selected 16th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He has also played for the Winnipeg Jets

Playing career

Finland

Armia playing for Porin Ässät in 2010, as a 17-year-old.

In the 2008–09 season, Armia was the highest goal scoring player of the U16 SM-sarja with 27 goals, winning the Keijo Kuusela award. In the following season, Armia played 27 games with Ässät U20, recording 15 goals and six assists for a total of 21 points.

At the age of 17, Armia was promoted to Porin Ässät's roster in SM-liiga in the 2010–11 season after showing great talent in the Ässät junior teams and the Finnish national team.[2] Armia would record 18 goals and 11 assists in his rookie season, being the highest goal-scoring rookie in the league. He played five playoff games scoring two goals. In the following season Armia played in 54 regular season games and recorded 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points. Armia appeared in three playoff games putting up two assists. In June 2012, Armia signed with the Buffalo Sabres,[3] but would play with Ässät on a loan for one more season. Armia played in 47 regular season games recording 19 goals and 14 assists for a total of 33 points. He was instrumental in helping Ässät capture SM-liiga's Kanada-malja championship after finishing fourth in the regular season. In the playoffs, Armia recorded three goals with five assists in 16 playoff games.[4][5] During his time with Ässät, he had career totals of 55 goals, 45 assists, for 100 points, with 120 penalty minutes.

NHL

Armia with the Winnipeg Jets in 2016

Armia was selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. On 16 June 2012, Armia was signed to a three-year entry level contract with the Sabres.[3] He would record seven goals and 20 assists for the Sabres' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans, during the 2013–14 AHL season. He also participated in the 2013 Spengler Cup with Rochester, scoring one goal.[6] During his second North American professional season in 2014–15, Armia was recalled from the Rochester Americans, and made his NHL debut with the Sabres against the Detroit Red Wings on 23 December 2014.[7] He was then returned to the Americans before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets on 11 February 2015.[8][9]

After being acquired in the blockbuster deal involving Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian, Armia was assigned to Winnipeg's AHL affiliate, the St. John's IceCaps, and finished the season with them. Armia began the 2015–16 season with Winnipeg's new AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose where he was used as a penalty killer.[10] He was recalled by the Jets that season and scored his first NHL goal against Martin Jones in a 4–1 win over the San Jose Sharks on 3 January 2016.[11] The 2016–17 season was Armia's first full year in the NHL. He struggled early, getting scratched in the second game of the season, and missed 24 due to injury. However, his scoring picked up in the second half of the season while playing on a line with Adam Lowry and Shawn Matthias (who was replaced by Andrew Copp after Matthias suffered an injury).[10] Armia improved again during the 2017–18 season, finishing with 12 goals and 29 points in 79 games.[12]

On 30 June 2018, the Jets traded Armia to the Montreal Canadiens.[13][14] On 13 July 2018, Armia signed a one-year contract worth $1.85 million with the Canadiens.[15][16] On 6 October, Armia scored his first goal for Montreal, a shorthanded goal that gave the Canadiens a 4–0 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins en route to a 5–1 victory.[17] On 1 November, Armia and teammate Max Domi scored the fastest two goals by one team when Montreal defeated the Washington Capitals, 6–4.[18] Domi scored at 19:38 of the third period, and Armia clinched the win with an empty net goal two seconds later.[19] Armia converted the decisive goal in the fifth round of a shootout victory against the New York Islanders on 5 November; he was the only player from either team to beat the goaltender.[20] However, in the Canadiens' next game, against the New York Rangers on 6 November, Armia suffered a knee injury. He was initially expected to miss six to eight weeks, and ultimately missed 25 games.[21] On 3 January 2019, Armia returned from injury against the Vancouver Canucks; he was credited with an assist on Jordie Benn's opening goal in a 2–0 Montreal win.[22] On 1 March, Armia scored his first career NHL hat trick in a 4–2 victory against the New York Rangers.[23]

On 11 July 2019, Armia signed a two-year contract worth $5.2 million with the Canadiens. He had previously filed for salary arbitration as a restricted free agent.[24][25] Armia scored his first two goals of the 2019–20 season in a 5–4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on 9 October.[26]

After secording seven goals and seven assists during the 2020–21 season, Armia managed five goals and three assists during the Canadiens' deep run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. On 27 July 2021, Armia signed a four-year, $13.6 million contract extension with the Canadiens.[27]

Before the start of the 2023–24 season, the Canadiens placed Armia on waivers for the purpose of re-assignment to the AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. Armia cleared waivers.[28][29][30] In his first AHL game with the Rocket, Armia scored two goals.[31] He played four games with Laval registering four goals and five total points before being called up to the Canadiens squad again.[32] Armia was sent back to Laval on 12 November.[33] After Arber Xhekaj was placed on injured reserve, the Canadiens recalled Armia on 24 November.[34]

International play


Armia at the 2012 World Junior Championships.
Medal record
Representing  Finland
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place2022 Finland

As part of the Finland national junior team, Armia participated in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 World Junior Championships, recording 11 goals and nine assists across 19 games. The team's highest finish was fourth in 2012.

Following the 2021–22 NHL season, the Canadiens having failed the make the playoffs, Armia accepted an invitation to play for Finland national team at the senior level internationally for the first time at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, which was held in Finland. In his debut against Norway national team, he recorded a goal and an assist in Finland's 5–0 victory.[35] In his first nine games, Armia recorded four goals and three assists, including the game-winning goal in Finland's semifinal victory over United States national team to reach the championship final.[36] He scored his fifth goal of the tournament in Finland's 4–3 victory over Canada national team in the final, winning a gold medal.[37]

After the 2022 competition, Armia said that he would like to participate the following year. Armia accepted the invite for the 2023 IIHF World Championship.[38] He would score his first goal in the tournament against Germany national team in a 4–3 victory for Finland.[39] Armia's second goal and only assist came against Hungary national team in a 7–1 victory.[40] Finland lost to Canada national team in the quarterfinals.[41] Armia played eight games and recorded two goals and an assist for a total of three points.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
SeasonTeamLeague GPGAPtsPIM GPGAPtsPIM
2009–10Porin ÄssätFIN U18 657126 66398
2009–10Porin ÄssätJr. A 271562132 51120
2010–11Porin ÄssätSM-l 4818112924 52024
2011–12Porin ÄssätSM-l 5418203866 30222
2012–13Porin ÄssätSM-l 4719143332 1635820
2013–14Rochester AmericansAHL 547202730 53369
2014–15Rochester AmericansAHL 3310152539 —————
2014–15Buffalo SabresNHL 10000 —————
2014–15St. John's IceCapsAHL 2126822 —————
2015–16Manitoba MooseAHL 1835816 —————
2015–16Winnipeg JetsNHL 43461012 —————
2016–17Winnipeg JetsNHL 571091920 —————
2017–18Winnipeg JetsNHL 7912172922 132022
2018–19Montreal CanadiensNHL 5713102314 —————
2019–20Montreal CanadiensNHL 5816143028 1032510
2020–21Montreal CanadiensNHL 41771410 2153810
2021–22Montreal CanadiensNHL 60681414 —————
2022–23Montreal CanadiensNHL 43771422 —————
Liiga totals 1495545100120 24571224
NHL totals 4397578153142 441051522

International

Year Team Event Result GPGAPtsPIM
2010 Finland U17 10th 55382
2011 Finland U18 5th 649138
2011 Finland WJC 6th 60112
2012 Finland WJC 4th 752716
2013 Finland WJC 7th 6661212
2022 Finland WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 105388
2023 Finland WC 7th 82134
Junior totals 3020214140
Senior totals 18741112

Personal life

Armia was born in Pori, Finland in 1993. Armia attended the Swedish-speaking school in Pori, the Björneborgs svenska samskola, in his youth. The school is known for having many talented ice hockey players as students.[42][43]

Armia and his wife have one child.[44]

Awards and honours

Award Year
SM-liiga
Kanada-malja champion 2013 [45]

References

  1. ↑ "Joel Armia's player profile with his team Porin Ässät" (in Finnish). Porin Ässät. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011.
  2. ↑ "17-vuotias Armia Ässien liigajoukkueeseen". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 15 September 2010. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Armia agrees to terms on entry level contract". NHL.com. 16 June 2012. Archived from the original on 20 June 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  4. ↑ "Joel Armia". Hockey's Future. 4 July 2015.
  5. ↑ "Mestaruus 2013 | Joel Armialla on urallaan yksi toive, johon liittyvät Pori ja Ässät – "Pääsisi tekemään vielä uudestaan sen tempun"". Satakunnan Kansa (in Finnish). 18 April 2023. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  6. ↑ theahl (29 December 2013). "Amerks drop Spengler Cup quarterfinal". theahl.com. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  7. ↑ "Armia to make NHL debut against Red Wings". Buffalo Sabres. 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "Jets Acquire Myers, Stafford, Armia, Lemieux & First Round Draft Choice From Sabres". NHL.com. 11 February 2015. Archived from the original on 11 February 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "Kane, Bogosian dealt to Sabres in eight-player blockbuster deal". TSN. 11 February 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  10. 1 2 Wiebe, Ken (29 March 2017). "Armia embraces new role". Winnipeg Sun. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  11. ↑ "Jets defeat Sharks to snap 6-game road losing streak". CBC Sports. Associated Press. 3 January 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  12. ↑ Dumont, Marc (1 July 2018). "Behind the numbers: What do the Canadiens have in Joel Armia?". The Athletic. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  13. ↑ Cudzinowski, Matt (18 October 2023). "Canadiens acquire Armia, Mason and two draft picks from Winnipeg". NHL.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  14. ↑ "Canadiens acquire Joel Armia, Steve Mason from Jets". Sportsnet. 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  15. ↑ Cudzinowski, Matt (13 July 2018). "Canadiens agree to terms on a one-year contract with Joel Armia". NHL.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  16. ↑ "Canadiens sign forward Joel Armia to one-year, $1.85-million contract". Montreal Gazette. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  17. ↑ "Gritty Canadiens shock talented Penguins 5-1". Montreal Gazette. 7 October 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens set NHL record with 2 goals in 2 seconds vs. Washington Capitals". USA TODAY. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  19. ↑ "Washington Capitals - Montreal Canadiens - November 1st, 2018". NHL.com. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  20. ↑ "Canadiens overcome 3-1 deficit, overtime penalty kill to beat Islanders in shootout". Montreal Gazette. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2018.
  21. ↑ Labbé, Richard (8 November 2018). "Joel Armia ratera de six à huit semaines". La Presse (in Canadian French). Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  22. ↑ Hickey, Pat (4 January 2019). "Carey Price looks healthy and rested while blanking the Canucks 2-0". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  23. ↑ "Armia's hat trick leads Canadiens past Rangers". TSN. 1 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  24. ↑ "Canadiens agree to terms with Joel Armia". NHL. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  25. ↑ Cowan, Stu (11 July 2019). "Canadiens sign Joel Armia to two-year deal worth $5.2 million". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  26. ↑ Hickey, Pat (9 October 2019). "Never-say-die Canadiens salvage another road point in defeat". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  27. ↑ "Four-year contract extension for Joel Armia". NHL. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  28. ↑ "Canadiens place veteran winger Joel Armia on waivers". Sportsnet. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  29. ↑ Cowan, Stu. "Canadiens' Joel Armia clears waivers and is likely headed to Laval". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  30. ↑ "Lähes viiden miljoonan dollarin palkalla farmiin pudotettu Joel Armia antoi ensimmäiset kommenttinsa". Satakunnan Kansa (in Finnish). 13 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  31. ↑ Laiho, Harri (14 October 2023). "Suomen NHL-konkari lähetettiin yllättäen farmiin – heti avausottelussa rävähti". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  32. ↑ "Canadiens recall Joel Armia, loan Filip Mesar to Kitchener". Sportsnet. 21 October 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  33. ↑ Cowan, Stu (12 November 2023). "Canadiens call up Gustav Lindström and send Joel Armia back to Laval". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  34. ↑ "Canadiens recall Joel Armia, place Arber Xhekaj on IR". Sportsnet. 24 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  35. ↑ "Joel Armia starts the World Championship in style". NHL. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  36. ↑ "Armia, Anderson will play for gold at Worlds". NHL.com. 28 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  37. ↑ Podnieks, Andrew (29 May 2022). "Finland does it!". International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  38. ↑ Toimitus. "Leijonat - Joel Armia Leijonien matkaan". www.leijonat.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  39. ↑ "Leijonat otti valtavan voiton! Saksa kaatui trillerissä". www.iltalehti.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  40. ↑ "Suomi löysi maalijyvänsä ja otti selkeän voiton Unkarista". Jatkoaika.com - Kaikki jääkiekosta (in Finnish). 19 May 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  41. ↑ "IIHF - Canada ends Finland's reign". IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  42. ↑ "Lättaste sättet att bli NHL-proffs? Gå i Björneborgs svenska samskola!". svenska.yle.fi (in Swedish). Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  43. ↑ Riihentupa, Timo (11 January 2019). "Ruotsinkielinen tähtitehdas: Björneborgs svenska samskolanista on lähtenyt maailman kovimpaan kiekkoliigaan peräti neljä pelaajaa". Satakunnan Kansa (in Finnish). Retrieved 9 October 2023.
  44. ↑ "Kultaleijonahäät! Joel Armia meni naimisiin Emilia-puolisonsa kanssa". www.iltalehti.fi (in Finnish). Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  45. ↑ "Porin Ässät palasi Suomen mestariksi 35 vuoden tauon jälkeen!". Yle Urheilu (in Finnish). 24 April 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
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