In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, former Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta has declared that he will not be returning to the NHL for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The Finnish netminder disclosed his decision to Finnish news outlet Ilta-Sanomat, revealing his plans to continue his playing career in Europe.
Reflecting on his deliberations, Raanta shared, “At the end of the season and in the summer, I thought about all sorts of things. But as the summer progressed and my body felt good, Europe started to attract me more.” This decision marks a significant shift in the trajectory of Raanta’s career, as he bids farewell to the North American hockey landscape.
During the previous season, Raanta showcased his skills in 24 regular-season games for the Hurricanes, amassing an impressive 12-7-2 record before sustaining a lower-body injury on February 8. Despite the setback, he demonstrated resilience by making eight appearances with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, to finish out the year.
Raanta boasts an impressive NHL resume, with a career record of 139-80-29 over 11 seasons in the league. Throughout his tenure, he has maintained a stellar 2.48 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage while suiting up for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, and Hurricanes. His contributions between the pipes have left a lasting impact on the teams he represented.
As an undrafted player who honed his skills with Assat in the Finnish Liga, Raanta’s journey to the NHL was marked by perseverance and determination. His debut with the Blackhawks in the 2013-14 season marked the beginning of a successful career that has now taken an unexpected turn with his decision to ply his trade in Europe.
Although Raanta’s NHL chapter may be coming to a close, his legacy as a formidable goaltender and a resilient competitor will endure. Fans and colleagues alike are sure to follow his European endeavors with keen interest, as he embarks on a new chapter in his hockey journey. As Raanta himself put it, “The draw of Europe became stronger as time went on, and I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me.”
