Career Timeline of Joel Armia: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Joel Armia, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Joel Armia is a Finnish professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. Drafted 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2011, Armia has also played for Porin Ässät in the SM-liiga, as well as the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. He is known for his size and skill as a winger.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2010: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In December 2010, Joel Armia and the Finnish national U18 team competed at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. He was named to the All-Star team despite his country placing second to last.

2010: Promotion to Porin Ässät

In 2010, at age 17, Joel Armia was promoted to Porin Ässät in the SM-liiga due to his talent in the junior ranks and Finnish national U18 team.

2011: Joins Finnish National Junior Team

In 2011, Joel Armia appeared in the World Junior Championships as part of the Finnish national junior team.

2011: Participated in IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2011, Joel Armia participated in the IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring 13 points in six games.

2011: Drafted into NHL and KHL

In 2011, Joel Armia was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round (16th overall) of the NHL entry draft and by Severstal Cherepovets (14th overall) in the KHL Junior Draft.

2011: Armia Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

In 2011, Joel Armia was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL entry draft.

June 2012: Signs Entry-Level Contract with Sabres

In June 2012, Joel Armia signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

June 2012: Armia Signs with Sabres

In June 2012, Joel Armia signed with the Buffalo Sabres but was loaned back to Ässät for another season.

2012: Joins Finnish National Junior Team

In 2012, Joel Armia appeared in the World Junior Championships as part of the Finnish national junior team.

December 2013: Participates in Spengler Cup with Rochester Americans

In December 2013, Joel Armia, along with the AHL's Rochester Americans, participated in the Spengler Cup tournament. He scored one goal in the quarterfinal.

2013: Participates in Spengler Cup

In 2013, Joel Armia participated in the Spengler Cup with the Rochester Americans, scoring one goal.

December 2014: NHL Debut with Sabres

On December 23, 2014, Joel Armia made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres against the Detroit Red Wings.

2014: Assigned to St. John's Ice Caps

In 2014, After being acquired by Winnipeg, Joel Armia was initially assigned to the Jets' AHL affiliate, the St. John's Ice Caps.

February 2015: Traded to Winnipeg Jets

On February 11, 2015, Joel Armia was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Winnipeg Jets.

January 2016: First NHL Goal

On January 2, 2016, Joel Armia scored his first NHL goal against Martin Jones in a 4–1 win over the San Jose Sharks.

June 2018: Traded to Montreal Canadiens

On June 30, 2018, Joel Armia was traded to the Montreal Canadiens along with Steve Mason and draft picks in exchange for Simon Bourque.

July 2018: Signs with Canadiens

On July 13, 2018, Joel Armia signed a one-year contract worth $1.85 million with the Montreal Canadiens.

December 2018: KHL Rights Bought by CSKA Moscow

In December 2018, HC CSKA Moscow bought Joel Armia's KHL rights from Severstal Cherepovets, despite him playing in the NHL.

January 2019: Returns from Injury

On January 3, 2019, Joel Armia returned from a knee injury sustained on November 6 against the New York Rangers, and he recorded an assist in a 2-0 win against the Vancouver Canucks.

July 2019: Signs Two-Year Contract with Canadiens

On July 11, 2019, Joel Armia signed a two-year contract worth $5.2 million with the Montreal Canadiens.

2020: Recorded Stats for the 2020-21 Season

During the 2020-21 season, Joel Armia recorded seven goals and seven assists.

July 2021: Signs Contract Extension with Canadiens

On July 27, 2021, Joel Armia signed a four-year, $13.6 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

2021: Canadiens failed to qualify

In 2021, The Canadiens failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs following the 2021-22 NHL season.

2022: IIHF World Championship Debut and Gold Medal

In 2022, Joel Armia debuted with the Finnish national senior team at the IIHF World Championship, recording a goal and assist. He helped Finland win the gold medal.

October 2023: Re-Assigned and Recalled by Canadiens

In October 2023, Joel Armia was placed on waivers and re-assigned to the Laval Rocket. He then scored two goals in his first AHL appearance on October 13, 2023, before being recalled by the Canadiens on October 21, 2023.