Aku Räty Bio
Aku Räty is a Finnish professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected 151st overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2019 NHL Draft, he developed in the Kärpät system in Finland before breaking out with Ilves and eventually reaching the NHL. He is also known for being the final player to debut for the Arizona Coyotes before the franchise was relocated.
Born in Oulunsalo, Finland, Räty has built his career through Finnish junior hockey, top-tier Liiga competition, and a brief but memorable stint in North America. His journey from a fifth-round selection to an NHL debut has made him a recognizable name among Finnish hockey fans.
Early Life and Background
Aku Räty was born on 5 July 2001 in Oulunsalo, Finland. He grew up in a country where ice hockey is one of the most popular sports, and he was exposed to the game at a young age through local youth programs. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds, Räty developed the physical attributes needed for a professional career as he moved through the Finnish hockey system.
He was raised in the Oulu region, an area with a strong hockey tradition and home to the well-known club Oulun Kärpät. Coming from a hockey family, Räty was able to share his early development with his younger brother, Aatu, who would later become a notable prospect in his own right. This family connection to the sport helped shape his understanding of the game from a young age.
Path to Hockey
Räty developed his game within the Kärpät junior system, one of the most respected development programs in Finland. Playing alongside his brother Aatu, he was viewed as a top prospect in his draft year, showcasing his offensive skills and hockey sense at the junior level. Both brothers were considered among the best Finnish players eligible for their respective NHL drafts.
Despite his prospect status, Räty remained on the draft board through the first four rounds of the 2019 NHL Draft. The Arizona Coyotes eventually selected him in the fifth round with the 151st overall pick. He continued to play for Kärpät’s junior and senior teams after being drafted, working to refine his game and prepare for a higher level of competition.
Aku Räty Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
After being drafted, Räty spent his first three post-draft seasons with Oulun Kärpät in the Finnish Liiga. During this period, he had marginal offensive impacts while adjusting to the pace and physicality of professional hockey. He continued to develop his two-way game, learning what it took to compete at the top level in Finland.
These formative years with Kärpät allowed Räty to gain valuable experience playing against seasoned professionals. Although his point totals were modest, the experience prepared him for the breakout that would come with his next team. His time at Kärpät also allowed him to develop chemistry with other Finnish players familiar with the Kärpät system.
Ilves Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In 2022, Räty transferred to Ilves in search of a larger role and more ice time. The move proved to be a turning point in his career. During the 2022–23 Liiga season, he finished second on the team with 18 goals and fifth with 42 points in 53 games, establishing himself as a key offensive contributor.
His strong play helped Ilves qualify for the playoffs as the second seed in the league. Räty added one goal in 10 playoff games as Ilves reached the Liiga semifinals before being eliminated by the Lahti Pelicans. This breakout performance drew the attention of NHL teams and set the stage for his eventual move to North America.
Arizona Coyotes Era (2023–2024)
On 3 May 2023, the Arizona Coyotes signed Räty to a two-year, entry-level contract to take effect for the 2023–24 NHL season. The signing came just before his exclusive draft rights were set to expire on 1 June 2023. He spent most of the season in the American Hockey League with the Tucson Roadrunners before earning his opportunity at the top level.
Räty made his NHL debut on 17 April 2024, in the Coyotes’ final game in Arizona, a 5–2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. During that game, he recorded a point, making the moment even more memorable. The following day, the sale of the Coyotes franchise was approved, and the team was officially deactivated, with the Utah Hockey Club taking its place. Räty holds the unique distinction of being the last player ever to debut for the Arizona Coyotes.
Utah and Chicago (2024–2025)
Following the relocation, Räty’s rights were transferred from Arizona to the Utah Hockey Club. He continued his professional development in the organization’s system during the 2024–25 season. On 7 March 2025, Räty was traded, along with Victor Söderström and Shea Weber, from Utah to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Return to Kärpät (2025)
On 20 May 2025, Räty returned to his hometown club, signing a two-year contract with Kärpät of the Liiga. The move brought him back to familiar surroundings and gave him a chance to play a prominent role in Finland’s top league once again.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2026–Present)
On 25 May 2026, it was announced that Räty had signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to North America as part of the Edmonton Oilers organization. The deal gives him another opportunity to compete for an NHL roster spot while providing flexibility to play in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors if needed.
Driving Style and Strengths
Räty is known for his offensive instincts, shooting accuracy, and ability to contribute in scoring situations. As a right winger who shoots right, he fits a prototypical scoring role and has shown the ability to produce goals at a high rate when given consistent ice time. His breakout with Ilves demonstrated that he can be a top-six forward capable of driving offense at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most notable milestone of Räty’s career came on 17 April 2024, when he became the last player to debut for the Arizona Coyotes. He marked the occasion by recording a point in a 5–2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. This unique place in NHL history ensures his name will be remembered whenever the Coyotes’ final season is discussed.
Aku Räty Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Aku Räty has recorded notable performances at multiple levels, including the Finnish Liiga, the AHL, and the NHL. His most productive offensive season came in 2022–23 with Ilves, when he scored 18 goals and 42 points in 53 regular-season games.
Liiga Highlights
During his time in the Liiga, Räty played for Oulun Kärpät and Ilves. His standout year came with Ilves in 2022–23, when he helped the team reach the Liiga semifinals. He added one goal in 10 playoff games that spring, gaining valuable postseason experience.
NHL Performances
Räty’s NHL experience includes his debut on 17 April 2024, in which he recorded a point against the Edmonton Oilers. Although his NHL appearances have been limited, the debut performance in such a historic game stands as a highlight of his early North American career.
Aku Räty Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aku Räty comes from a hockey family with strong ties to the sport. His younger brother, Aatu Räty, was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders and currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks. The two brothers developed together in the Kärpät system and were both considered top Finnish prospects in their draft years.
Personal Life
Räty maintains strong connections to his hometown of Oulunsalo and the Oulu region, having returned to play for Kärpät before his most recent move to the Edmonton Oilers organization. His family ties to hockey, including his brother Aatu’s professional career, have been a defining part of his personal and athletic life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Räty. After being traded from Utah to the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2025, he adjusted to a new organization mid-season. His time with the Blackhawks system provided him with additional North American experience and exposure to different coaching and playing styles.
Following the conclusion of the NHL season, Räty signed a two-year contract with Oulun Kärpät on 20 May 2025, returning to Finnish hockey with a chance to play a leading role in the Liiga. This move allowed him to re-establish himself in a familiar environment while continuing to develop his game.
Looking ahead, Räty’s outlook remained positive as he balanced his commitments in Finland with his long-term ambition of becoming a regular NHL contributor. His combination of Liiga success, AHL experience, and his unique NHL debut positioned him as a player with both a memorable history and a promising future in professional hockey.