Photo credit: Oilers Nation
Former Oilers Defenseman Convicted Of Serious Crime
Janne Niinimaa has earned a reputation in recent years as one of the not-so-great players in NHL history.
Niinimaa Convicted Of Tax Evasion In Finland
The former defenseman was far from a bad player. After being drafted 36th overall in 1993 he went on to play in 741 NHL games. He scored 54 goals and 319 points in that span. He is best known in Edmonton, where he played 399 of his games, despite being drafted by the Flyers.
However, Niinimaa has developed a bad reputation due to his off-ice behavior and personality. He was even mentioned in a new book by former Canadiens equipment manager Pierre Gervais, and not for a good reason.
"This player falls into the category of the few not-so-great ones I've come across over the decades. But he couldn't reach the level of a Cammalleri or a Niinimaa. He wasn't very friendly, but he still treated us with respect."
His unfriendly attitude was apparently an indicator of more serious personal issues. The former defenseman has sense been convicted of tax evasion in his native Finland.
Niinimaa earned just under 20 million USD during his long NHL career. It is not known how much he owes in taxes to the Finnish government.
As seen on Former Montreal Canadiens Player Found Guilty of Criminal Offense: A Well-Known Name
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