Mikael Pyyhtia was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, but you would be forgiven for not remembering that mid-COVID event. He broke out shortly thereafter with a 21 goal season in the Finnish top league Liiga in 2021-22. He got a cup of coffee with both Columbus and Cleveland in the next season before coming to North America full time for 2023-24. In this past season, he finally spent more time in the NHL than the AHL, with 4/3/7 in 47 games with the Jackets, and 3/13/16 in 28 games with the Monsters.
While Pyyhtia proved himself a capable bottom six forward in the NHL, by the time he was returned to the AHL in late February, he was left there for the remainder of the regular season while the Blue Jackets battled for a playoff spot. Pyythia remained with the Monsters, then only recorded one assist in the Calder Cup playoffs.
2024-25 Stats
Games: 47
Goals: 4
Assists: 3
Points: 7
Plus/Minus: -11
PIM: 6
5v5 Corsi%: 43.6
5v5 Fenwick%: 42.9
5v5 O-Zone Start%: 43.1
Contract
Pyyhtia made $897,500 last season as the final year of his entry-level contract. He’s owed a new contract and the cap is going up, but how much does the front option trust him?
High Point
In late October, the Jackets smashed the Edmonton Oilers 6-1 at home, and Pyyhtia was a +3.
Low Point
Pyyhtia was a -1 with no points in the outdoor game vs. Detroit, then he was sent down to Cleveland and never returned to the Jackets. Would the team have favored any better down the stretch if Pyyhtia was on the wing rather than one of the other acquisitions that week?
Report Card
B-
Pyyhtia impressed as a player that can fit in a bottom six role, but also play up in the lineup if necessary. He does need to stay healthy, though.