Education
University of Michigan.
University of Michigan.
Helminen was drafted 244th overall in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. On March 3, 2004, the New York Rangers acquired his rights from the Oilers along with a 2004 second round draft choice and Stephen Valiquette in exchange for Petr Nedved and Jussi Markkanen. Since turning professional, he has played for the Charlotte Checkers in the ECHL and the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, before signing with JYP Jyväskylä in the Finnish Master of Science-liiga in 2007.
He was then assigned to Hurricanes affiliate, the Albany River Rats of the AHL. Helminen made his National Hockey League debut in the 2008-2009 season after an injury to Brandon Sutter.
He played in 23 regular season games by season"s end with the Hurricanes, as well as one playoff game. On July 16, 2009, Helminen signed a one-year contract with the San Jose Sharks.
In the 2009-2010 season, on February 11, 2010, Helminen scored his first goal with the Sharks, against the Detroit Red Wings. On April 22, 2010, Helminen scored a goal against the Colorado Avalanche, in the Sharks" first-round playoff series.
Midway through the 2011-2012 season, Helminen left KLH Chomutov of the Czechoslovakian first division league to return to North America, signing with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL on February 6, 2012.