Defenceman Simo Saarinen played eight games for the New York Rangers in 1984-85. He was a fine playmaker who could also excel at defensive zone coverage.
Born in Helsinki, Saarinen suited up for his hometown HIFK club and played for Finland at the 1982 and 1983 World Junior championships. The talented backliner was taken 193rd overall by the Rangers in 1982 and played for his country at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. He also earned selection to the tournament all-star team at the 1983 World Junior championships and helped HIFK win the Finnish title in 1982-83.
In 1984-85 Saarinen tried his hand at the NHL game but struggled on the smaller ice surface. He suited up briefly on Manhattan but saw most of his game action with the New Haven Nighthawks of the AHL. Saarinen returned to Finland and played several more years at HIFK. He also took part in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics as well as the 1989 and 1990 World Championships.
