Playing career
Riikola made his SM-liiga debut playing with KalPa as a 19-year-old during the 2012–13 SM-liiga season. [1] He dressed for 20 games while posting 6 assists from the blueline.
In his sixth season with KalPa in 2017–18, and while serving as an alternate captain, Riikola scored a career high 8 goals for 24 points in 59 games.
On 17 May 2018, as an undrafted free agent, Riikola signed a one-year, entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL for a reported $925,000. [2] He made his NHL debut on 11 October 2018 against the Vegas Golden Knights at PPG Paints Arena. [3] Riikola recorded his first career NHL point, an assist, on 28 November against the Colorado Avalanche. [4] He scored his first NHL goal on 29 December 2018 against the St. Louis Blues. [5]
On 30 May 2019, the Penguins re-signed Riikola to a one-year, one-way contract extension worth $850,000. [6] On 16 October 2019, against the Colorado Avalanche, Riikola played as a left winger due to injuries to several Penguins forwards. [7]
On 5 September 2020, the Penguins signed Riikola to a two-year, $2.3 million extension. [8]
After four seasons within the Penguins organization and as a pending free agent, Riikola opted to return to Europe to secure a one-year contract with Swedish club, IK Oskarshamn of the SHL, on 25 May 2022. [9]
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Finland