Penguins draft defenseman Joona Vaisanen in 6th round

Seth Rorabaugh
Saturday, June 29, 2024 2:58 p.m. | Saturday, June 29, 2024 2:58 p.m.

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Steve Gassman | Dubuque Fighting Saints

The Penguins picked Dubuque Fighting Saints defenseman Joona Vaisanen in the sixth round of the NHL Draft on Saturday.

LAS VEGAS — In the sixth round of the NHL Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected defenseman Joona Vaisanen of Dubuque of the United State Hockey League, No. 175 overall.

In 53 games last season, Vaisanen had 40 points (nine goals, 31 assists) while playing for head coach Kirk MacDonald. Earlier this month, MacDonald was hired as head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

EP dishes. Joona finishes.#HalosHigh https://t.co/vEaErBqZ1X pic.twitter.com/x8pKQbanJC

— Dubuque Fighting Saints (@fightingsaints) November 25, 2023

A native of Finland, the 19-year-old Vaisanen (6-foot, 176 pounds) is a right-handed shot.