Career
Saarijärvi was drafted 73rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2015 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Junior
During the 2014-2015 season, Saarijärvi recorded six goals and 17 assists in 57 games for the Green Bay Gamblers, leading the Gamblers" defenceman in scoring, and finishing tied for 20th in scoring among all USHL defenceman. His first career USHL goal was a game-winning overtime goal on October 4, 2014, against the Chicago Steel.
Following an outstanding season, Saarijärvi was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
He was featured in the 2015 USHL/National Hockey League Top Prospects Game. On June 30, 2015, Saarijärvi was drafted 9th overall by the Flint Firebirds in the CHL Import Draft.
On August 12, 2015, the Flint Firebirds signed Saarijärvi to an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) contract for the 2015-2016 season. Saarijärvi played his first OHL game with the Firebirds on September 24, 2015, where he recorded his first career OHL point, an assist, in a game against the Saginaw Spirit.
Saarijärvi scored his first career OHL goal against Liam Herbst of the Ottawa 67"son
Saarijärvi was named the OHL Defenseman of the Month for the month of October 2015. During his first full month in the OHL, he recorded two goals, and nine assists in 11 games, including three multi-point games. During the 2015-2016 season, Saarijärvi recorded 12 goals and 31 assists in 59 games for the Firebirds, finishing ninth among all OHL defenseman with 43 points.
Professional
On July 3, 2015, the Detroit Red Wings signed Saarijärvi to a three-year, entry-level contract.
On March 25, 2016, Saarijärvi was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. He was selected as the tournament"s best defenceman and was named to the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championship All-Star Team.
