Toni Rajala


Toni Rajala is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for EHC Biel of the National League. He was drafted 101st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career

Rajala began playing junior hockey with the Ilves Tampere system in 2005–06. By 2007–08, he had worked his way up to the Junior A level of the SM-Liiga, tallying 35 points in 33 games. Rajala turned pro with Ilves Tampere in 2008–09, tallying 5 points in 21 games during his professional rookie season in the SM-Liiga.
Rajala was selected in the first round of the 2009 CHL Import Draft by the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. He joined the Wheat Kings for the 2009–10 WHL season.
On July 16, 2009, Rajala signed a two-way contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
With the impending 2012–13 NHL lockout, He was directly assigned by the Oilers to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League on September 15, 2012.
On August 25, 2013, with the prospects of another season in the American minor leagues, Rajala opted to be mutually released from his contract with the Oilers and later returned to Europe to sign a one-year contract with Swedish Hockey League club, HV71, on October 15, 2013.

International play

Rajala debuted internationally for Finland at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championships, recording 5 points in 6 games as Finland placed sixth. The next year, he was named to Finland's under-20 team for the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and managed 3 points in 6 games; Finland finished in seventh place.
Later that year, in April 2009, Rajala competed for Finland at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships in the United States. He led the tournament in scoring with 10 goals and 9 assists and broke the previous point record held by Alexander Ovechkin. Rajala was selected as the best forward in the tournament, and was named to the tournament All-Star Team, helping Finland to a bronze medal. Rajala also represented Finland at the 2010 World Junior Championships which were held in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honours