Mikael Granlund Bio
Mikael Antero Granlund is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who plays as a centre for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). A left-shooting forward known for his playmaking and vision, Granlund has spent more than a decade as one of Finland’s most recognizable hockey exports. He was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2010 NHL entry draft and has since suited up for six NHL franchises.
Before crossing the Atlantic, Granlund developed in the Finnish SM-liiga with Oulun Kärpät and HIFK, where he won a league title and earned top rookie honours. He has also represented Finland internationally, including at the senior World Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Mikael Antero Granlund was born on 26 February 1992 in Oulunsalo, Finland. He grew up in a hockey-oriented household and began developing his game through the junior ranks in the Oulu region. Standing 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) and listed at 185 lb (84 kg), Granlund was always considered undersized for a top-line forward, but his skill and hockey sense made up for any physical shortcomings.
He played junior ice hockey with Oulun Kärpät in 2007-08 and 2008-09, averaging more than a point per game in both seasons. His strong junior production earned him a first-team All-Star selection in his junior A league in 2009.
Path to Hockey
Granlund made his SM-liiga debut with Oulun Kärpät on his 17th birthday in 2009, appearing in two games before becoming embroiled in a contract dispute with the club. After arguing that his original junior contract was invalid, he signed with HIFK Helsinki for the 2009-10 season, a move that Kärpät challenged before the two sides reached a settlement.
With HIFK, Granlund scored 13 goals and 27 assists in 43 games during 2009-10, leading all SM-liiga rookies with 40 points. He captured the Jarmo Wasama Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie and the Raimo Kilpiö trophy as the most gentlemanly player. He also helped HIFK win the SM-liiga championship in 2010-11 and represented Finland at the 2010 World Junior Championship before being selected ninth overall in the 2010 NHL draft.
Mikael Granlund Career
Early Career (2008-2012)
Granlund turned professional in Finland during the 2008-09 season and quickly became one of the top young players in the SM-liiga. His standout 2009-10 campaign with HIFK established him as a premier prospect, and he was named Finland’s Young Athlete of the Year for 2009. Internationally, he starred at the 2010 U18 World Championship, leading the tournament in assists with nine and helping Finland win a bronze medal.
After returning to HIFK for 2010-11 and winning the SM-liiga title, Granlund made his senior national team debut at the 2011 World Championship. There, he scored a famous lacrosse-style goal against Russia in the semifinal, a play that helped Finland win gold and went on to become one of the most iconic highlights in Finnish hockey history.
Minnesota Wild Era (2012-2019)
Granlund signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild during the 2012 NHL off-season. After a brief AHL stint with the Houston Aeros during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign, he made his NHL debut and scored his first NHL goal against Semyon Varlamov of the Colorado Avalanche on 19 January 2013.
He quickly developed into a top-six forward, playing alongside Jason Pominville and Zach Parise and scoring an overtime goal against Colorado on 21 April 2014 to win a playoff game. On 1 August 2017, the Wild re-signed him to a three-year, $17.25 million contract. He played seven seasons in Minnesota before being traded at the 2018-19 deadline.
Nashville Predators Era (2019-2023)
On 25 February 2019, Granlund was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Kevin Fiala. After an adjustment period, he settled in as a reliable two-way centre. Following a brief flirtation with free agency in 2020, he re-signed with Nashville on a four-year, $20 million contract in July 2021.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2023)
On 1 March 2023, Granlund was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. He played the final 21 games of the 2022-23 season in Pittsburgh, registering five points before being moved again in the off-season.
San Jose Sharks Era (2023-2025)
On 6 August 2023, the Penguins traded Granlund to the San Jose Sharks as part of a three-team deal also involving the Montreal Canadiens. He spent two seasons in San Jose before entering the final year of his contract in 2024-25.
Dallas Stars Era (2025)
On 1 February 2025, Granlund was traded to the Dallas Stars along with Cody Ceci in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional third-round pick. He produced 7 goals and 21 points in 31 regular-season games with Dallas and added 5 goals and 10 points in the playoffs, helping the Stars reach the Western Conference finals before falling to the Edmonton Oilers.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2025-Present)
After his contract with Dallas expired, Granlund signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks on 1 July 2025. He continues to serve as a veteran centre and playmaker for a young Anaheim roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Granlund is widely regarded as a cerebral playmaker with elite vision and creativity. Despite his smaller frame, he excels at distributing the puck, quarterbacking the power play, and reading the game at both ends of the ice. His lacrosse-style goal at the 2011 Worlds showcased the unique skill that has defined his offensive identity throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Granlund’s signature moment remains his lacrosse-style goal against Russia at the 2011 World Championship, a play that inspired a Finnish single and cemented his star status at home. Other milestones include his first NHL goal in 2013, his overtime playoff winner against Colorado in 2014, and his 2026 Olympic bronze medal with Finland.
Mikael Granlund Career Wins
Across his professional career, Granlund has collected league and tournament titles at every level he has played. His team successes include an SM-liiga championship with HIFK in 2010-11, a World Championship gold medal with Finland in 2011, and an Olympic bronze medal with Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
NHL and SM-liiga Highlights
In the NHL, Granlund has yet to capture a Stanley Cup, though he reached the Western Conference finals with the Dallas Stars in 2024-25. In Finland, his standout 2009-10 rookie campaign with HIFK and the SM-liiga title the following season remain his most notable league achievements.
Other Wins and Performances
Internationally, Granlund helped Finland to bronze at the 2010 U18 World Championship and was Finland’s top scorer at the 2010 World Junior Championship. His 2011 World Championship gold and 2026 Olympic bronze further underline his pedigree on the international stage.
Mikael Granlund Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hockey runs in the Granlund family. Mikael is the older brother of Markus Granlund, a former NHL forward who has also played professionally in Europe, currently with Genève-Servette HC.
Personal Life
Granlund is a supporter of Liverpool FC. He divorced in 2023. Beyond these public details, he keeps his personal life largely private.
2025 Season Performance
Granlund split the 2024-25 season between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars after being traded on 1 February 2025. In Dallas, he quickly established himself as an offensive driver, posting 7 goals and 21 points across 31 regular-season games and adding 5 goals and 10 points in the playoffs as the Stars advanced to the Western Conference finals.
Although Dallas ultimately fell to the Edmonton Oilers for the second straight spring, Granlund’s playoff impact reinforced his reputation as a clutch performer. His strong finish to the campaign made him one of the more sought-after free agents on the market.
On 1 July 2025, Granlund signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, beginning a new chapter with a rebuilding franchise. Expectations are that he will anchor the top line and power play while providing veteran leadership to a young Anaheim core.
