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Janne Niinimaa
Janne Niinimaa (b. 22 May 1975 in Raahe, Finland) is a professional ice hockey defenceman. He was selected in the second round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 36th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Following three seasons playing with Jokerit in Helsinki, Finland, Niinimaa had an outstanding debut with the Flyers in the 1996/97 season, posting 44 points and a +12 rating, and being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
The following season Niinimaa was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he spent parts of six seasons. He was traded to the New York Islanders in 2003 and is now a member of the Montreal Canadiens. During the NHL lockout, Niinimaa returned to play in his native Finland. Niinimaa has twice represented Finland at the Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 1998, and was on the national team when Finland won its only world championship gold medal. Latley he became noted for guaranteeing a Montreal win against the then 8-0-0 Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres won the game 4-1.
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