Joel Kiviranta

Joel Kiviranta (born March 23, 1996) is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
On 12 November 2013, Kiviranta made his Liiga debut playing with Jokerit against the Espoo Blues during the 2013–14 Liiga season.

In the 2018–19 Liiga season, his fifth year with Vaasan Sport, Kiviranta tallied 31 points in 48 games. His 16 goals were third on the team however he was unable to propel Sport to the post-season.

Undrafted, Kiviranta used his NHL-out clause with Sport to sign a two-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on 1 June 2019. His first NHL goal was an even strength goal against the New Jersey Devils on 1 February 2020, against the goaltender Louis Domingue to give the Dallas Stars a 2–1 lead, and they went on to win the game in overtime 3–2.

On 4 September 2020, Kiviranta, who was called up as a Black Ace for the Stars, substituted in for injured Stars forward Andrew Cogliano in the seventh and decisive game of the Second Round of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. He helped send the Stars into the Conference Finals by scoring a hat-trick, including the game-winning overtime goal.

On 31 July 2021, the Stars re-signed Kiviranta to a two-year, $2.1 million contract extension.

On 28 August 2023, Kiviranta agreed to a professional tryout with the Avalanche to attend their 2023-24 training camp. He was released from the agreement on 5 October, but was invited to attend the training camp of the Avalanche's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. On 11 October, the Eagles signed Kiviranta to a one-year contract. He began the 2023-24 season with six points in ten games. On 12 November, the Avalanche signed Kiviranta to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000. He made his debut for the team on 15 November, recording one goal and two assists in an 8-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

International play
Kiviranta was selected to make his senior international debut with Finland at the 2019 IIHF World Championship held in Bratislava, Slovakia. He finished with 2 goals and 3 points in 9 games to help Finland claim the gold medal in a victory over Canada on May 26, 2019.