Joonas Donskoi


Joonas Donskoi is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League.

Playing career

Donskoi played with Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga under coach Lauri Marjamaki. After witnessing Donskoi not standing upright enough while skating, he recommended the forward lengthen his stick. While with Kärpät, he was drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers in the 4th round.
Donskoi continued his offensive growth setting career high of 19 goals and 49 points in the 2014–15 season with Kärpät,

San Jose Sharks

With his NHL rights relinquished by the Panthers, Donskoi was signed to a two-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on 20 May 2015.
In his first training camp and pre-season with the Sharks, Donskoi impressed and made the club's opening night roster for the 2015–16 season. Donskoi scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game, 7 October 2015 against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings. Donskoi surpassed expectations with the Sharks, cementing a regular roster position amongst the Sharks offense. In 76 games with San Jose, he compiled 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points.
Helping the Sharks reach the post-season, Donskoi appeared in every game, contributing with 12 points in 23 games as the club reached the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in franchise history. In Game 3 of the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, Donskoi scored the game-winning goal in overtime, but the team lost the series in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins. On 12 May 2017, the Sharks re-signed Donskoi to a two-year, $3.8 million contract.

Colorado Avalanche

As a free agent from the Sharks, Donskoi signed a four-year, $15.6 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche on 1 July 2019.

International play

On 2 March 2016, Donskoi was named to Team Finland's roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Personal life

Donskoi is one of six children; he has three brothers and two sisters. In his free time, he is interested in cars and skateboarding. After the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he returned to Finland and paid off the debt of a skating park his childhood friend owned. He has Russian roots from his great-grandfather or grandfather.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honours