The Islanders have loaned left winger Jesse Nurmi to the OHL’s London Knights, according to Stefen Rosner of NHL.com. Since he was previously on assignment to AHL Bridgeport, the move doesn’t impact their active roster.
Nurmi, 20, was looking to get his first real taste of pro hockey in North America this season, but will instead finish out the campaign back in juniors. A knee injury sustained during rookie camp kept him out of main training camp and delayed his season debut until November.
Instead of having the 2023 fourth-round pick begin his season in Bridgeport, the Islanders sent Nurmi down a level further to ECHL Worcester to get his feet wet. After being limited to a goal and an assist in 12 games, he was brought up to Bridgeport earlier this month but hasn’t played since.
Nurmi was one of the top producers in Finland’s junior circuit in his draft year, recording 21 goals and 50 points in 41 games for KooKoo’s under-20 club. Playing time was limited as he made the jump to the top-division Liiga the following year, influencing the Isles to sign Nurmi to his entry-level contract in the 2024 offseason and get him more deployment on this side of the Atlantic.
The 5’11” lefty won an OHL title and Memorial Cup championship with London last season as part of a stacked group that included a remarkable 15 NHL draft picks. He totaled a 9-22–31 scoring line in 58 games.
Obviously, the knee injury derailed his initial adjustment to the pro game. He’ll now be able to fully get back up to speed in a familiar environment while providing a significant boost to a London club eyeing its fourth consecutive OHL final appearance and third straight championship.
Since Nurmi is no longer slide-eligible, his contract will still fill up one of the Isles’ 50 slots for the remainder of the season.