Antti Raanta

Antti Raanta
Raanta with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023
Born	(1989-05-12) 12 May 1989 (age 34) Rauma, Finland
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight	193 lb (88 kg; 13 st 11 lb)
Position	Goaltender
Catches	Left
NHL team Former teams	Carolina Hurricanes Lukko Ässät Chicago Blackhawks New York Rangers Arizona Coyotes
National team	Finland
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	2008–present

Antti Raanta (born 12 May 1989) is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Raanta was initially signed by the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted player. He has also played for the New York Rangers and the Arizona Coyotes.

Playing career

Lukko (2009–2011)

In March 2008, Raanta signed a three-year-contract with Rauman Lukko of the Finnish Liiga. ^[1] In 2009, Raanta won bronze in the Lukko U20 team and had the best save percentage in the U20 league. He was called up to the Lukko's men's team but had not yet made a Liiga debut. He played two games in Mestis when the U20 national team played against each Mestis team. ^[2]

Ässät (2011–2013)

In 2013, Raanta won the Finnish championship with Ässät and was awarded both the Lasse Oksanen Trophy for the SM-liiga's best player of regular season, as well as the Jari Kurri Trophy for the best player of the playoffs, posting a .955 save percentage. In May 2013, HIFK announced that it had signed a two-year-contract with Raanta, ^[3] but he didn't play for them, because he had also signed a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. ^{[4] [5]}

Chicago Blackhawks (2013–2015)

Raanta with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2013–14 season. Following that season, he signed to a two-year contract extension with the Blackhawks.

On 3 June 2013, Raanta signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. ^[6] He was recalled by the Blackhawks from the American Hockey League (AHL)'s Rockford IceHogs on 17 November 2013, after Chicago's backup goaltender, Nikolai Khabibulin, suffered an injury in a loss against the Nashville Predators the previous night, 16 November. ^[7] Raanta made his NHL debut against the Colorado Avalanche on 19 November 2013, stopping 14 of 16 shots in relief of starter Corey Crawford. ^[8] On 30 December 2013, Raanta earned his first career shutout, beating the Los Angeles Kings at home at the United Center. He stopped all 26 shots he faced and improved to 10–1–3 on the season. Raanta was named Rookie of the Month (an honour shared with Los Angeles' goaltender Martin Jones) for December 2013, going 8–1–3 with one shutout. ^[9] On 12 January 2014, Raanta helped end his team's losing streak; the Blackhawks had previously lost three-straight games, with Crawford in goal for all three losses. Raanta played against the Edmonton Oilers as Chicago prevailed 5–3. ^[10]

On 27 June 2014, the Blackhawks signed Raanta to a two-year contract extension. ^[11]

Antti Raanta in Attendance at the Chicago Blackhawks 2015 Championship Rally

In the 2014–15 season, on 15 November 2014, the Blackhawks announced that Raanta had been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs to make room for rookie goaltender Scott Darling. ^[12] On 17 December 2014, Raanta was called up from the IceHogs and placed on the Blackhawks' roster, replacing goaltender Darling, who was himself demoted back to Rockford. ^[13] However, on 22 February 2015, the Blackhawks again reassigned Raanta to the IceHogs after a 6–2 loss against the Boston Bruins, and called up Darling to take his place. Raanta was recalled on 12 April 2015 to join the Blackhawks in the playoffs, but did not dress in any more games. When the Blackhawks went on to win the Stanley Cup, Raanta was given a day with the Cup and a Stanley Cup ring; however, he did not meet the minimum games requirement to include his name on the Stanley Cup, nor had he dressed in the playoffs, as by this time he had been relegated to the Blackhawks' third-string goaltender. Chicago did not request an exemption, because he spent time playing in the minors after the trade deadline and was not dressed during the playoffs.

New York Rangers (2015–2017)

Unable to earn back the backup role on the Blackhawks at season's end, on 27 June 2015, Raanta was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Haggerty. ^[14]

Raanta would battle Magnus Hellberg for the backup role behind Henrik Lundqvist, Raanta eventually won the battle as Hellberg was sent to the American Hockey League (AHL). Raanta was put in net for the Rangers' 17 December game against the Minnesota Wild (Lundqvist was to start the following day against the Winnipeg Jets). However, near the end of the 1st period, Raanta took a slapshot to the head from Wild defenseman Marco Scandella, and left the game. Lundqvist was put in net the remainder of the game, and the next day Raanta was put on injured reserve. Originally expected to be out 2–3 weeks, Raanta recovered faster than originally expected, returning to the Rangers lineup on 28 December. During Raanta's absence, the Rangers called up Magnus Hellberg to serve as Lundqvist's backup. Raanta made 25 appearances in the 2015–16 season, started 18 games, and finished with an 11–6–2 record. Raanta had a 2.24 GAA and a .919 Save Percentage along with one shutout. At the end of the season, Raanta agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with the New York Rangers on 2 May 2016. ^[15]

Arizona Coyotes (2017–2021)

Raanta with the Arizona Coyotes in 2019

On 23 June 2017, he was traded by the Rangers along with Derek Stepan to the Arizona Coyotes for Anthony DeAngelo and the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft (which became Lias Andersson). ^[16]

In his first season with the club, Raanta posted a 21–17–6 record in 41 appearances. However, the Coyotes failed to qualify for the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs. On 6 April 2018, the Coyotes re-signed Raanta to a three-year, $12.75 million contract extension worth $4.25 million annually. ^[17]

Carolina Hurricanes (2021–present)

Raanta with the Hurricanes in 2022

After four seasons within the Coyotes organization, largely plagued with injury, Raanta left as a free agent and was signed to a two-year, $4 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on 28 July 2021. ^[18]

On 31 October 2021, Raanta started his first game with the team, winning 2–1 against his former team the Arizona Coyotes. He helped the team go 8–0–0, with Frederik Andersen winning the first seven games of the season. This was the first time in his career that he was playing a team that went undefeated. ^[19] On 7 April 2022, Raanta won a 5–3 game against the Buffalo Sabres to help the team clinch a playoff spot. On 28 April, after a 6–3 win against the New Jersey Devils, Raanta along with Andersen won the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the least goals against average. ^[20] On 2 May, Raanta started the first-round game against the Boston Bruins due to starter goaltender Andersen being injured. He won 5–1 in game one making it his first career playoff win. On 4 May, Raanta exited the game in game two after colliding with the Bruins forward David Pastrňák early in the first period. Backup goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov played the rest of that game and made it a 5–2 win making the Canes 2–0. ^[21] In game four, Raanta started again losing 5–2. In game seven, Raanta helped the team to win the first round in a 3–2 win.

In his third year with Carolina during the 2023–24 season, following a stretch out of form, the Hurricanes placed Raanta on waivers on 16 December 2023, and he was subsequently re-assigned to the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season										Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	W	L	T/OT	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%		GP	W	L	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2009–10	Lukko	SM-l		15	6	7	1	836	37	2	2.66	.918		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Lukko	SM-l		20	6	6	4	1,064	42	2	2.37	.911		2	0	2	84	6	0	4.28	.818
2011–12	Ässät	SM-l		38	21	10	4	2,149	80	2	2.23	.933		3	0	3	176	9	0	3.07	.917
2012–13	Ässät	SM-l		45	21	10	11	2,595	80	5	1.85	.943		16	12	4	1038	23	4	1.33	.954
2013–14	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		14	7	5	0	677	32	0	2.83	.914		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		25	13	5	4	1,397	63	1	2.71	.897		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		14	7	4	1	792	25	2	1.89	.936		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Rockford IceHogs	AHL		11	8	1	1	604	24	2	2.39	.918		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	New York Rangers	NHL		25	11	6	2	1,151	43	1	2.24	.919		3	0	1	94	4	0	2.55	.895
2016–17	New York Rangers	NHL		30	16	8	2	1,618	61	4	2.26	.922		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Arizona Coyotes	NHL		47	21	17	6	2,600	97	3	2.24	.930		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Arizona Coyotes	NHL		12	5	6	0	688	33	0	2.88	.906		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Arizona Coyotes	NHL		33	15	14	3	1823	80	2	2.63	.921		2	0	0	40	4	0	6.00	.714
2019–20	Tucson Roadrunners	AHL		1	1	0	0	59	0	1	0.00	1.000		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Arizona Coyotes	NHL		12	5	5	2	679	38	0	3.36	.905		—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL		28	15	5	4	1517	62	2	2.45	.912		13	6	5	664	25	1	2.26	.922
2022–23	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL		27	19	3	3	1562	58	4	2.23	.910		6	3	3	364	15	0	2.48	.909
Liiga totals				118	54	33	20	6,644	239	11	2.16	.932		21	12	8	1298	38	4	1.76	.941
NHL totals				253	127	73	27	13,823	560	19	2.43	.918		24	9	9	1,161	48	1	2.48	.911

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	W	L	T	MIN	GA	SO	GAA	SV%
2013	Finland	WC	4th		7	5	2	0	430	15	1	2.09	.928
Senior totals					7	5	2	0	430	15	1	2.09	.928

Awards and honours

Award	Year
SM-liiga
Lasse Oksanen Trophy	2013
Jari Kurri Trophy	2013
NHL
William M. Jennings Trophy	2022	[22]

References

1. "Lukko solmi kahdeksan uutta pelaajasopimusta". Jatkoaika.com - Kaikki jääkiekosta (in Finnish). Retrieved 5 July 2022.
2. "Antti Raanta at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
3. "Antti Raanta siirtyy Helsingin IFK:hon". HIFK (in Finnish). 2 May 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
4. "Blackhawks agree to terms with Finnish goaltender Raanta". NHL.com. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
5. "HIFK:lla ykkösvahti haussa - "Raanta liian hyvin scoutattu"". Yle Urheilu (in Finnish). 4 June 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
6. Russo, Michael (3 June 2013). "Raanta reportedly agrees to terms with the Blackhawks". Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
7. Blackhawks, Chicago (17 November 2013). "Blackhawks recall goaltender Antti Raanta from Rockford". Chicago Blackhawks. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
8. "Chicago Blackhawks vs. Colorado Avalanche - Boxscore - November 19, 2013". ESPN. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
9. "Kings' Jones and Blackhawks' Raanta named NHL co-rookies of the month for December". National Hockey League. 3 January 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
10. "Marian Hossa helps Blackhawks defeat Oilers". ESPN. Associated Press. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
11. "Blackhawks agree to terms with Smith and Raanta". Chicago Blackhawks. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
12. "Blackhawks recall Darling, assign Raanta". Chicago Blackhawks. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
13. "Advantage Raanta: Blackhawks send Darling to AHL". James O'Brien. 17 December 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
14. "Blackhawks trade Raanta to Rangers for Haggerty". ESPN. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
15. "Rangers agree to terms with Antti Raanta". New York Rangers. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
16. "Coyotes acquire Stepan, Raanta from Rangers for No.7 pick and DeAngelo". Arizona Coyotes. 23 June 2017. Retrieved 23 June 2017.
17. Morgan, Craig (6 April 2018). "Arizona Coyotes agree to 3-year extension with Antti Raanta". Arizona Sports. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
18. "Canes agree to terms with Antti Raanta". Carolina Hurricanes. 28 July 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
19. "Frederik Andersen's early bounce back makes Hurricanes scary team". ProHockeyTalk | NBC Sports. 1 November 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
20. "NHL William M. Jennings Trophy Winners". National Hockey League. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
21. "Hurricanes' Raanta exits after collision with Pastrnak". The Athletic. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
22. "Hurricanes goalies Andersen, Raanta win William M. Jennings Trophy". National Hockey League. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  Eurohockey.com , or  Hockey-Reference.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Marc-André Fleury Robin Lehner	William M. Jennings Trophy 2021–22 With: Frederik Andersen	Succeeded by Jeremy Swayman Linus Ullmark