Detroit Red Wings prospect Jesse Kiiskinen is getting used to being a part of new teams this summer.

First of all, there was the June deal that sent his NHL rights to the Red Wings from the Nashville Predators.

“I just get a call from (Nashville GM) Barry Trotz,” Kiiskinen recalled of that fateful day. “He said they have traded me to Detroit.

“And then after that, (Red Wings GM) Steve Yzerman called me to welcome me.”

Regardless, the entire ordeal was a shock to the system of the 19-year-old Finnish forward.

“I was a little bit like, ‘what?’” Kiiskinen remembered. “I didn’t even understand what he was saying. Trade? Okay. Where?

“It was different.”

Jesse Kiiskinen (#23, blue) with a goal for @leijonat during international play this week.#Preds pic.twitter.com/4wSjl6NOFQ

— Preds Prospects (@OnTheFuturePBR) November 10, 2023

The next part of his summer was spent training with another new team.

The Red Wings?

No, a much bigger team.

“I was in the Finnish army this summer,” Kiiskiken explained. All Finns must serve in the military. It is mandatory.

And exactly what were his tasks as a trainee going through basic training?

Kiiskinen just rolled his eyes.

“We did a lot,” he said.

Still Hasn’t Worn Red Wings Colors

His military service meant that Kiiskinen was unable to attend the Red Wings development camp last month. In fact, he’s yet to participate in any official Red Wings function.

Now that’s completed his service with that national team, he is in Plymouth, leading Finland’s national junior team at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

“Now I can start focusing on just the hockey,” Kiiskinen said. Chosen 68th overall in the 2023 NHL entry draft, he shows a desire to mix it up, working the corners and the net front with enthusiasm.

He’s proudly wearing the C as Finland’s captain, a role he’s been filling since last February in preparation for this season’s IIHF World Junior Championship.

“It’s unbelievable to be in the national team and then you are the national team captain,” Kiiskinen said. “It’s more like unreal.”

Still unsigned by the Red Wings, the six-foot, 192-pound right-winger will be back in Finland’s SM-liiga this fall. He’s also switching teams there.

UPDATE: The #RedWings today acquired a 2nd round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (originally Tampa’s) and forward Jesse Kiiskinen from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Andrew Gibson. pic.twitter.com/OCJ0wOUoJ7

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 25, 2024

“I will be playing for HPK Hameenlinna in the liiga,” Kiiskinen said. “I changed it. Last season I played for Pelicans. I made a contract for HPK.”

Skating against men he believes is only going to make his eventual transition into the North American game go that much smoother.

“It helps a lot,” Kiiskinen said. “Last year I played a lot and my game improved a lot. When I get harder battles, it’s much different than what we play in juniors.

“The guys are bigger and stronger and the game is faster and more tactics.”