Esa Tikkanen
15 Interesting Facts
A five-time Stanley Cup champion and master of agitation, this Finnish forward left a lasting mark on the NHL through his defensive skill and clutch playoff performances.
He won the Stanley Cup five times during his career.
He was famously nicknamed 'The Grate One' for his ability to irritate opponents.
He holds the NHL record for scoring two shorthanded goals just ten seconds apart.
He was a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy three times but never won the award.
He played for seven different NHL franchises throughout his career.
He made his NHL debut during the 1985 Stanley Cup playoffs before playing a single regular-season game.
He recorded 72 career playoff goals, which was a record for left wings until surpassed by Alex Ovechkin.
He spent a season in the South Korean Asia League Ice Hockey as a player-coach.
A Thoroughbred racehorse was named in his honor and won the 1994 Breeders' Cup Turf.
He served as a mascot for the Helsinki-based team Jokerit as a young boy.
He was traded to the New York Rangers in 1993 in exchange for Doug Weight.
He appeared in an episode of the television show Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park in 2016.
He wore number 5 for Jokerit because of a sweater made by his great-grandmother.
He was the leading point-scorer for the Edmonton Oilers during the 1990-91 regular season.
He scored 21 goals in 36 games for HIFK in the Finnish SM-liiga during the 1984-85 season.
About Esa Tikkanen
A five-time Stanley Cup champion, this Finnish forward was renowned for his defensive prowess and his ability to agitate opponents with his unique brand of 'Tiki-Talk.' He played a crucial role on the Edmonton Oilers' top line alongside Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri before finding further success with the New York Rangers.
Career Achievements & Milestones
Stanley Cup Champion
1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994
Matti Keinonen trophy
1985
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Esa Tikkanen.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Esa Tikkanen played for 11 different teams during his 14 seasons career. He was originally drafted 4th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1983.