yardbarker
Jake Leschyshyn, a veteran of the North American minor leagues, is set to embark on a new chapter overseas. The 27-year-old winger has signed a one-year contract with HIFK of the Finnish Liiga for the 2026-27 season, as announced by the club.
Leschyshyn's journey began when he became the fifth pick in the history of the Vegas Golden Knights organization, selected 62nd overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. At the time, he was coming off a solid campaign with the WHL's Regina Pats, tallying 17 goals and 40 points in 47 games with a minus-12 rating.
After several more seasons with the Pats, he transitioned to professional hockey in 2019-20 with the AHL's Chicago Wolves. His rookie year proved challenging, as he managed just four goals and eight points in 61 games with a minus-7 rating.
Despite the slow start, Leschyshyn continued to develop in the AHL, eventually earning his NHL debut with the Golden Knights during the 2021-22 season. However, his tenure with the team that drafted him was short-lived. The following year, Vegas placed him on waivers, and he was claimed by the New York Rangers.
With the Rangers, he struggled to make an impact at the NHL level but showed promise with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he recorded five goals and 15 points in 18 games with a plus-3 rating. Over the next three seasons, he spent most of his time in the AHL, aside from a single game with the Rangers in 2023-24.
During two seasons with the Wolf Pack, the former second-round pick accumulated 21 goals and 43 points in 116 games, though he posted a concerning minus-43 rating. Last summer, he signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres and played the entire season with the AHL's Rochester Americans, notching 13 goals and 22 points in 66 games with a minus-18 rating.
Key Analysis
Leschyshyn's move to Finland represents a fresh start after a challenging stretch in North America. His offensive production in the AHL has been inconsistent, but his experience and two-way play could make him a valuable asset for HIFK. The Finnish Liiga offers a different style of play, which might suit his skill set and provide an opportunity to revive his career.
Originally reported by yardbarker.