In his second full pro season in North America, Finnish defenseman Vili Saarijarvi recorded 16 points (2-14—16), a plus-19 rating and 20 PIM in 70 appearances with the Griffins.

70 GP, 2 goals, 14 assists, 16 points, +19 rating, 20 PIM

1 GP, 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, even rating, 0 PIM

Under contract for 2019-20

1 – Saarijarvi notched his first AHL goal on Oct. 20 vs. Chicago and it came on a 5-on-3 power play during Grand Rapids’ 5-3 win. While making his second career Calder Cup Playoff appearance in the decisive Game 5 of the Central Division Semifinals at Chicago on April 28, Saarijarvi scored his first postseason goal at 7:22 of the first period.

2 – Producing two power play goals, Saarijarvi was one of two Griffins defensemen (Filip Hronek, 4) with multiple PPGs.

3 – During the Griffins’ 5-2 home win against Belleville on Jan. 12, Saarijarvi picked up a goal and two assists for a season-high three points. All of Saarijarvi’s points came on the power play as Grand Rapids finished 4-for-5 on the man-advantage. It was the first time the Griffins scored four PPGs in a game since pouring in four at Rockford on Feb. 5, 2016 (9-1 W).

4 – Saarijarvi tallied four points (1-3—4) during a season-high four-game point streak from Oct. 13-26.

+19 – Saarijarvi’s team-leading plus-19 rating tied for 14th among AHL blueliners. A defenseman has led or tied for the team lead in plus/minus in four of the last five seasons.

70 – Saarijarvi paced all team defensemen in games played with 70, which also ranked fourth on the team.

100 – The 5-foot-10, 180-pound defenseman skated in his 100th game as a Griffin on March 15 vs. Rockford (2-3 L).

121 – Saarijarvi fired 121 shots, the most among team defensemen and ranked seventh overall on the Griffins.

Radio interview on ESPN 96.1’s Big Drew & Jim

Griffiti Magazine Issue No. 1 – Making Spirits Bright

Detroit News – Joe Hicketts, Vili Saarijarvi vie to be part of long-term solution on Red Wings defense

Photo at top by Sam Iannamico/Griffins