Golden Knights Draft Juho Piiparinen 29th Overall – The Hockey Writers – Vegas Golden Knights

With the 29th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights have selected Juho Piiparinen from Tappara of Liiga.

About Juho Piiparinen

Juho Piiparinen had a busy draft-year season. He spent time with both Tappara’s U20 and Liiga teams and represented his home country of Finland at the international level in the Under-20 and Under-18 World Junior Championships (WJC). While he may not have put up massive numbers offensively, his bread and butter is his defensive game. In 44 games with the Tappara organization, he put up only 16 points, but he has the confidence and skill to become more of an offensive threat as his game matures.

Piiparinen has been considered one of the 2026 draft class’s best defensive defensemen, and watching how he further develops this aspect of his game, and whether he can add more offense, will dictate exactly where he ends up at the NHL level. He currently has the tools to be a top-four player.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

“His smooth and fluid skating, highlighted by mobility and speed, helps with this as well. He is a true puck-hunter, constantly chasing down loose pucks and hounding opposing puck-carriers, often erasing chances in the process.”

“Piiparinen’s offensive game doesn’t stand out as much, but he still does some things well on that end. He absorbs hits well and is able to keep plays going through contact. He also uses his positioning here as well, anticipating where pucks will be to help sustain possessions.”

Continue reading the full player profile here.

How This Affects the Golden Knights’ Plans

With a system that is a bit bare, thanks to not having a ton of early-round picks since entering the NHL, Piiparinen becomes one of the organization’s top defensive prospects. He may never end up being a full-blown offensive threat, but he knows where his bread and butter is on the ice. The defensive style of game he plays should help him become a fixture in the lineup for the Golden Knights down the road. He will likely have a few seasons of development before he makes his way over to the North American game, but he will be a prospect for Golden Knights fans to keep an eye on.