As is the case with every European player, the question was if Koivunen would be able to maintain his high point total and skilled play. He answered every question and then some. In 63 games, he registered 21 goals, 35 assists and 56 points in the AHL. Additionally, Koivunen saw eight games of NHL action and looked the part. He had seven assists and really injected some life into the late-season Penguins. In each game he played in, his ice time increased. Koivunen rocketed his way up the depth chart and surprisingly put himself into opening night consideration.

The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled Koivunen from their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Koivunen has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a part of the package for Jake Guentzel.

Koivunen is having a good season for Kärpät in the Liiga, sitting sixth in team scoring with 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 53 games. Keep an eye on the 18-year-old’s development as he is a young prospect playing against men in Finland.

Koivunen was selected in the second round, 51st overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2021 NHL Draft.