Career
He played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League (National Hockey League) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens. He also played in the Finnish Master of Science-liiga, Swedish Elitserien, Swiss National League A, and Swedish Allsvenskan. Niinimaa was selected in the second round of the 1993 National Hockey League Entry Draft, 36th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Following three seasons playing with Jokerit in Helsinki, Finland, Niinimaa made his debut with the Flyers in the 1996-1997 National Hockey League season, posting 44 points and a +12 rating, and being named to the National Hockey League All-Rookie Team.
The following season Niinimaa was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he spent parts of six seasons. He earned himself an All-Star appearance in the 2000-2001 National Hockey League regular season.
He was traded to the New York Islanders in 2003 and then was traded to the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens. During the National Hockey League lockout, Niinimaa returned to play in his native Finland.
Niinimaa retired on February 10, 2014.
June 26, 1993 – Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers
March 24, 1998 – Traded by Philadelphia to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Dan McGillis and a 2nd round draft pick (Philadelphia selected Jason Beckett)
March 11, 2003 – Traded by the Edmonton Oilers to the New York Islanders along with a second round draft pick (New York selected Evgeni Tunik) in exchange for Brad Isbister and Raffi Torres
January 10, 2006 – Traded by the New York Islanders to the Dallas Stars along with a fifth round draft pick in exchange for John Erskine and a second round draft pick. September 30, 2006 – Traded by the Dallas Stars along with a fifth round pick in 2007 to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Mike Ribeiro and a 2008 sixth round pick. September 14, 2007 – Signed by The Human Context Davos of the Swiss National League.
August 14, 2008 – Signed by Kärpät of the Master of Science-liiga.
November 27, 2008 – Signed by SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League. August 16, 2009 – Signed by HV71 of Elitserien.
