Antti Raanta’s journey from an undrafted Finnish goaltender to a key player in the NHL is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game
His ability to adapt, whether as a starter or backup, and his strong work ethic have earned him respect throughout the hockey world.
Raanta’s story is one of resilience and perseverance, proving that even undrafted players can make a significant impact in the NHL.
His time with the Carolina Hurricanes has shown that he remains a valuable goaltender capable of contributing to a contending team. Whether as a starter or a backup, Raanta’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain a high level of play has been critical to his success.
Raanta’s legacy in the NHL will likely be defined by his resilience, his professionalism, and his consistent performances over the years.
While he may not have the high-profile accolades of some other goaltenders, his contributions to the teams he has played for have been significant. As he continues his career, Raanta will no doubt aim to add more milestones to his already impressive resume.
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Table of Contents
Antti Raanta: Bio
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Antti Raanta was born on May 12, 1989, in Rauma, Finland, a country well-known for producing elite hockey talent, particularly goaltenders.1
Raanta’s journey to professional hockey was not straightforward. Unlike many other NHL players who are drafted at a young age, Raanta was undrafted, which meant he had to work harder to prove himself.
Finland has a rich hockey culture, and growing up in Rauma, Raanta was surrounded by a passion for the sport that fueled his ambition to become a professional goaltender.
Raanta honed his skills in the Finnish junior leagues, playing for his hometown team, Lukko. His early years were a time of development and growth, as he sharpened his reflexes and technique, traits that would later define his playing style. Although he wasn’t initially recognized as a top prospect, Raanta’s work ethic and perseverance set him apart.
I’d like to thank the city of Seattle and their fans for all the love I’ve had while here. Thank you for all the incredible memories! @Storm_Bears
— Antti Raanta (@AnttiRaanta32) March 23, 2018
Breakthrough in the Finnish Liiga
Raanta’s breakthrough came during his time in the Finnish Liiga, the top professional league in Finland. After several seasons of steady improvement, he had a remarkable 2012-2013 season with Ässät Pori, which would become a turning point in his career.
Raanta played a pivotal role in leading his team to the Finnish championship (SM-liiga), posting extraordinary numbers throughout the playoffs. His performance earned him both the Jari Kurri Trophy as the playoff MVP and the Urpo Ylönen Trophy as the best goaltender in the league.
This dominant season brought Raanta international attention, especially from NHL scouts. His blend of quick reflexes, positioning, and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations made him a sought-after prospect, even though he had gone undrafted.
Teams in North America were starting to take notice of the Finnish goalie who had gone from relative obscurity to one of Europe’s most dominant netminders.
Antti Raanta: Career
Signing with the Chicago Blackhawks
In 2013, Raanta made the leap to the National Hockey League (NHL) when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks.2
The Blackhawks were in a strong period, having recently won the Stanley Cup in 2013, and were looking to build depth in their goaltending department. Raanta’s signing was seen as a low-risk, high-reward move for the Blackhawks, given his impressive track record in Finland.
Raanta made his NHL debut on November 19, 2013, against the Colorado Avalanche, and he quickly proved that his success in Finland could translate to the NHL.
He posted a 13-5-4 record during his rookie season with a solid 2.71 goals-against average (GAA) and a .897 save percentage. His performance earned him a role as a reliable backup for starting goaltender Corey Crawford. The Blackhawks were impressed with his ability to step in when needed, especially during a time when Crawford was dealing with injuries.
Transition to the New York Rangers
- Despite a solid start to his NHL career, Raanta found himself in a crowded goaltending situation in Chicago.
- With Corey Crawford firmly entrenched as the Blackhawks’ starter and Scott Darling emerging as a capable backup, the team traded Raanta to the New York Rangers in 2015 in exchange for forward Ryan Haggerty.
- Joining the Rangers provided Raanta with a fresh opportunity to establish himself as a reliable goaltender in the NHL.
- Serving as the backup to Henrik Lundqvist, one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, Raanta continued to develop his game. During his time in New York, he solidified his reputation as one of the league’s best backup goalies.
- His calm demeanor and consistency in net made him a valuable asset for the Rangers, especially during times when Lundqvist needed rest or was dealing with injuries.
- In the 2016-2017 season, Raanta posted career-best numbers, with a 16-8-2 record, a 2.26 GAA, and a .922 save percentage.
- These stellar stats caught the attention of other NHL teams, and it became clear that Raanta was ready for a more significant role.
- However, as long as Lundqvist was in New York, Raanta’s chances of becoming a full-time starter were limited.
Moving to the Arizona Coyotes
Raanta’s quest to become a starting goaltender led to a trade to the Arizona Coyotes in 2017.
The Rangers traded him along with center Derek Stepan to Arizona in exchange for the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and defenseman Anthony DeAngelo. In Arizona, Raanta finally got the opportunity he had been waiting for—to be a full-time starting goalie in the NHL.
Raanta’s first season with the Coyotes was promising. Although the team struggled overall, finishing near the bottom of the standings, Raanta was a bright spot.
He posted a 21-17-6 record, a 2.24 GAA, and a .930 save percentage, which ranked among the league’s best. His performance earned him recognition as one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, and the Coyotes rewarded him with a three-year contract extension.
However, injuries began to take a toll on Raanta during his time in Arizona. After a stellar start to his Coyotes career, he struggled with various injuries that limited his playing time. Despite this, when healthy, Raanta continued to show flashes of brilliance, reminding everyone why he had become such a highly regarded goaltender.
Carolina Hurricanes Era
- In 2021, after four seasons with the Coyotes, Raanta signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.
- Carolina had been building a strong team, and they saw Raanta as the perfect complement to their young starter, Alex Nedeljkovic.
- However, shortly after Raanta’s arrival, the Hurricanes made a surprising trade, acquiring Frederik Andersen, another veteran goaltender, which set the stage for a goaltending tandem between Raanta and Andersen.
- Raanta embraced his role with the Hurricanes, splitting time with Andersen and providing the team with stability in net. The Hurricanes’ defensive system, combined with Raanta’s experience, allowed him to thrive.
- In the 2021-2022 season, Raanta posted an impressive 15-5-4 record with a 2.45 GAA and a .912 save percentage. His ability to step up in crucial moments, especially in the playoffs, was invaluable for the Hurricanes.
- During the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Raanta became a key figure for the Hurricanes when Andersen was sidelined due to injury. Raanta stepped into the starting role and helped Carolina reach the second round of the playoffs.
- Although the Hurricanes ultimately fell short of their Stanley Cup aspirations, Raanta’s performance in the postseason further cemented his reputation as a dependable goaltender.
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Antti Raanta: Net Worth in 2024
Antti Raanta, a professional ice hockey goaltender from Finland, has built a notable career in the National Hockey League (NHL).3
His consistent performances and perseverance have not only earned him recognition but have also contributed to his impressive financial success.
As of 2024, Raanta’s net worth stands at an estimated $4 million, showcasing the culmination of his efforts both on and off the ice.
Entry into the NHL and Contract Details
In 2013, Antti Raanta made the jump to the NHL, signing with the Chicago Blackhawks as an undrafted free agent.
He was primarily used as a backup goaltender during his time in Chicago, but he proved himself to be a reliable option when called upon. Raanta’s NHL debut came on November 19, 2013, against the Colorado Avalanche, where he displayed poise and ability.
His journey through the NHL would see him playing for several teams, including the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, and most recently, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Raanta’s NHL career has been marked by a series of solid contracts that have steadily increased his earnings. As of 2024, he has accumulated over $20 million in total career earnings.
His most recent contract, a two-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, was signed for $4 million, with every cent guaranteed. This contract includes an annual average salary of $2 million, underscoring Raanta’s value to his team as a dependable goaltender.
Performance in 2022 and the Carolina Hurricanes
During the 2022-23 NHL season, Antti Raanta continued to demonstrate his worth, contributing to the Carolina Hurricanes’ success.
He had a base salary of $2,250,000, a reflection of his crucial role in the team. As a goaltender, Raanta was known for his agility, quick reflexes, and mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
Though injuries had plagued him throughout various points in his career, Raanta remained resilient, overcoming setbacks to maintain his position as a top-tier goaltender. His $2 million cap hit in 2022 represented his value as both a starter and a backup goalie, a key asset in a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Cumulative Earnings Over Seven Seasons
Raanta’s career earnings are an impressive testament to his long-standing dedication to the sport. Over seven NHL seasons, he earned a total of $20,974,345, a significant achievement for someone who entered the league as an undrafted player.
Additionally, Raanta has received $3,092,500 in signing bonuses throughout his career, further boosting his financial portfolio.
Raanta’s journey through the NHL has included stints with various teams, each contract building on his reputation as a reliable goaltender. His ability to adapt to different playing styles, his strong work ethic, and his leadership qualities have all contributed to his sustained success in the league.
Antti Raanta: Playing Style and Strengths
Raanta’s success on the ice is not only the result of hard work but also his unique skill set as a goaltender. He is known for his exceptional lateral movement and his ability to make quick saves, even in difficult positions.
Raanta’s reflexes have been a key factor in his success, allowing him to track pucks and react rapidly, often in situations where other goaltenders might struggle.
Another notable aspect of Raanta’s game is his composure. Even in high-pressure scenarios, such as overtime or shootouts, Raanta has consistently maintained a calm demeanor, helping his team weather stormy situations. His mental fortitude has been widely praised by both coaches and teammates, making him a valuable presence in the locker room.
Raanta’s ability to read plays and anticipate opponents’ actions has also contributed to his strong track record. His understanding of the game allows him to position himself effectively and make crucial saves that can change the course of a game. Whether as a starter or in a backup role, Raanta has continuously proven his worth, earning respect across the league.
Antti Raanta: Vacation
Antti Raanta went to Mexico to to spent vacation with her family and shared their pictures as memory on his instagram account.
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Challenges and Injuries Along the Way
Despite his success, Antti Raanta’s career has not been without its challenges. Injuries have been a recurring issue for the Finnish goaltender, limiting his playing time at various points.
However, Raanta has shown resilience time and time again, recovering from injuries and returning to form. His determination and work ethic have allowed him to overcome these obstacles and continue to play at a high level.
In particular, Raanta’s time with the Arizona Coyotes saw him dealing with multiple injuries that limited his availability.
However, when healthy, Raanta was one of the top goaltenders in the league, with impressive save percentages and the ability to steal games for his team. This resilience in the face of adversity has only added to Raanta’s reputation as a tough and reliable player.
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