Golden Knights loan 1st-round pick to Finland pro club

Vegas Golden Knights loan 2026 first‑round selection Juho Piiparinen to Finnish Liiga club Tappara. The 17‑year‑old defenseman was chosen 29th overall in this year’s NHL Draft and signed a three‑year entry‑level contract with the Knights on July 15. Piiparinen appeared in 29 games for Tappara’s Liiga squad after spending the previous four seasons in the club’s development program. The loan arrangement allows him to continue gaining professional experience while he develops, rather than reporting immediately to the Henderson Silver Knights. He may attend the Golden Knights’ training camp before being sent back to Finland.