Santeri Hatakka Bio
Santeri Hatakka (born 15 January 2001) is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman for HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 183 pounds, Hatakka shoots left and has built a career that has taken him from the junior ranks in Finland to the National Hockey League (NHL) and now to one of Scandinavia’s top professional leagues. After being selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, he gained experience in North America before continuing his career in Sweden. Internationally, Hatakka has represented Finland at multiple junior levels, contributing on the blue line in several major tournaments.
Early Life and Background
Santeri Hatakka was born on 15 January 2001 in Riihimäki, Finland, a city located in the southern part of the country in the Häme region. Growing up in Finland, a nation with a deep tradition of ice hockey, Hatakka was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his game within the country’s well-regarded junior systems. He came through the youth setup of Jokerit, one of the most recognized clubs in Finnish hockey, learning the fundamentals of the defensive position while progressing through their age-group teams.
During his time in the Jokerit junior program, Hatakka earned a leadership role, serving as an alternate captain for the club’s under-20 team in the 2018–19 season. That year was a significant one in his development, as he not only handled added responsibility with his junior squad but also attracted the attention of National Hockey League scouts. His consistent play and poise on the blue line helped establish him as a promising prospect heading into the 2019 draft.
Path to Hockey
Hatakka’s path to professional hockey accelerated in the spring of 2019, when he was selected 184th overall in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. The selection confirmed his standing as a legitimate professional prospect and set the stage for his transition to the pro ranks. Shortly after the draft, he signed his first professional agreement and prepared for his debut season in Finland’s top professional league, Liiga.
He made his professional debut during the 2019–20 season with Ilves, a club based in Tampere that competes in Liiga. That year, Hatakka split his time between Ilves and their farm club, Koovee, gaining valuable experience against older and more experienced opponents. He posted three points in 28 Liiga games, a steady start that demonstrated his readiness for higher levels of competition. His development in Finland’s professional system gave him the foundation needed for the next step in his career.
Santeri Hatakka Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Hatakka’s early professional years were spent establishing himself in Finland before making the move to North America. After his debut season with Ilves, he continued to develop his game in the Liiga, working on his defensive play, skating, and puck-moving skills. His progress was enough to convince the San Jose Sharks that he was ready to sign an entry-level deal, and on 12 May 2021, he agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the organization.
Later that year, Hatakka earned his first taste of NHL action. He made his NHL debut on 30 October 2021, appearing in a 2–1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Less than two weeks later, on 9 November 2021, he recorded his first NHL point, an assist, in a 4–1 win over the Calgary Flames. These moments marked the arrival of a young defenceman who had climbed from Finnish junior hockey to the world’s top professional league in just a few seasons.
San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils Era (2021–2025)
Hatakka’s time with the San Jose Sharks was brief at the NHL level, as the organization had a deep group of defencemen and he spent considerable time developing with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. His second full North American season was disrupted by a major upper-body injury early in 2022–23, which limited him to just eight games that year, all at the AHL level. Despite the setback, his progress was still being monitored by other NHL clubs.
On 26 February 2023, Hatakka was traded to the New Jersey Devils as part of a multi-player deal that also sent star forward Timo Meier to New Jersey. The trade offered him a fresh opportunity in a new organization, and he continued to work his way up through the Devils’ system. On 18 January 2024, he was recalled to the NHL roster due to injuries and illness among the team’s regular defencemen. He made his Devils debut on 22 January 2024, in a 6–5 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights, giving him his second NHL franchise.
HV71 Era (2025–Present)
After spending two seasons within the New Jersey Devils organization, Hatakka reached the end of his contract and decided to continue his career in Europe. On 29 April 2025, he signed a two-year contract with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League, marking his return to top-level European professional hockey. The move gave him an opportunity to take on a larger role with his new club while competing in one of the strongest leagues outside the NHL.
Joining HV71 placed Hatakka back in a setting where he could be a regular contributor on the blue line. His NHL experience and international pedigree made him a valuable addition to a club looking to build toward sustained success in the SHL. The 2025–26 campaign represents his first season with HV71 and a new chapter in his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hatakka is recognized as a steady, positionally sound defenceman with good skating ability and the poise to make smart decisions under pressure. His left-handed shot, smooth passing, and willingness to join the play make him an effective two-way blue-liner. Pairing his defensive reliability with his international experience has allowed him to adapt to multiple leagues and systems throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Hatakka’s career milestones are his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on 30 October 2021, his first NHL point against the Calgary Flames, and his New Jersey Devils debut on 22 January 2024 in an overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights. He was also part of the trade that brought Timo Meier to New Jersey, a notable transaction in NHL history.
Santeri Hatakka Career Wins
While defencemen are not typically measured by goal totals, Hatakka has produced a number of notable results and performances across the leagues in which he has played. From his professional debut in Liiga to his appearances in the NHL and AHL, he has consistently contributed on both ends of the ice, helping his teams to important victories along the way.
Liiga and AHL Highlights
Hatakka’s professional scoring began with three points in 28 Liiga games during the 2019–20 season with Ilves. He then transitioned to the AHL, where he spent the majority of his North American development. Despite an injury-shortened 2022–23 campaign, he continued to progress, and his recall to the Devils in January 2024 was a highlight of his time in the AHL system.
Other Wins and Performances
Internationally, Hatakka represented Finland at the under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-20 levels. He appeared in the 2020 and 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, reaching the semifinals both years and winning a bronze medal in 2021 while serving as an alternate captain. Across his two World Junior appearances, he recorded three points in 14 games.
Santeri Hatakka Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hatakka was raised in Riihimäki, Finland, and grew up in a family with a strong athletic background. His older sister, Sanni Franssi, is a professional footballer, and the siblings represent two different branches of Finnish sport at the highest levels.
Personal Life
Santeri Hatakka keeps much of his personal life out of the public eye. He continues to pursue his hockey career in Sweden with HV71, building on a journey that has already taken him from Finnish junior rinks to the NHL and back to top European competition.
2025 Season Performance
Hatakka’s 2025–26 season began with his signing of a two-year contract with HV71 on 29 April 2025, signaling a clear commitment to a fresh start in the SHL. The move to Sweden positioned him as a key addition to the HV71 blue line, bringing NHL and AHL experience to a club aiming to climb the SHL standings.
With a left-handed shot, strong skating, and a defensive-first approach, Hatakka fits well within HV71’s system and is expected to play a regular role in all situations. His international experience, including bronze-medal success at the 2021 World Juniors, also provides leadership qualities that should benefit HV71’s younger players.
Looking ahead, the 2025–26 campaign offers Hatakka an opportunity to establish himself as a top-tier SHL defenceman and to play a central role in HV71’s push for a strong finish. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could be a candidate for European hockey awards or even a return to North American professional hockey in the future.