Urho Vaakanainen is a Finnish professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the New York Rangers in the NHL as of 2025. Born on January 1, 1999, in Joensuu, Finland, he was drafted 18th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He has also played for the Anaheim Ducks. Vaakanainen began his career in Finland, playing for teams like Espoo Blues, JYP Jyvaskyla, and SaiPa before moving to North America. He made his NHL debut with the Bruins in 2018 and later joined the Ducks in 2022. In 2024, he was traded to the Rangers.
On the international stage, Vaakanainen has represented Finland in several tournaments, winning gold at both the 2016 U18 World Championship and the 2019 World Junior Championship. His father, Harri Vaakanainen, also played hockey in Finland.
Urho Vaakanainen contract
Urho Vaakanainen signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks for the 2024-25 NHL season, as per Sportrac. The deal is worth $1,100,000, which is fully guaranteed. His contract carries a cap hit of $1,100,000. There are no signing bonuses or performance-based incentives included in the deal.
Urho Vaakanainen contract breakdown
| Season | Age | Cap Hit | Cash Salary | Contract Status |
| 2024-25 | 26 | $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 | Signed with Anaheim Ducks |
| 2025-26 | 27 | UFA | N/A | Unrestricted Free Agent |
Urho Vaakanainen salary
Urho Vaakanainen's 2024-25 salary with the Anaheim Ducks is $1,100,000, as per Spotrac. The amount is fully guaranteed, meaning he will receive the full sum regardless of performance or injuries.
There are no signing bonuses or additional incentives included in his contract. At the end of the 2024-25 NHL season, Vaakanainen will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
How much of Urho Vaakanainen’s contract is guaranteed?
Urho Vaakanainen's 2024-25 contract with the Anaheim Ducks is fully guaranteed at $1,100,000.
Urho Vaakanainen career earnings
As of the 2024-2025 season, Urho Vaakanainen has earned $3,984,372 over his professional hockey career, as per Sportrac. Below is the table of his career earnings each year:
| Year | Age | Cash Earned | Cumulative Earnings |
| 2018 | 20 | $444,488 | $444,488 |
| 2019 | 21 | $128,308 | $572,796 |
| 2020 | 22 | $178,624 | $751,420 |
| 2021 | 23 | $170,683 | $922,103 |
| $262,269 | $1,184,372 | ||
| 2022 | 24 | $800,000 | $1,984,372 |
| 2023 | 25 | $900,000 | $2,884,372 |
| 2024 | 26 | $1,100,000 | $3,984,372 |
| Total | $3,984,372 | $3,984,372 |
Urho Vaakanainen contract history
Vaakanainen has signed three contracts worth $6,800,000 throughout his NHL career. His most recent deal in 2024-25 makes him an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
| Year Signed | Team | Contract Term | Total Value | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | Free Agent Status |
| 2018 | Boston Bruins | 3 years (2018-21) | $4,000,000 | $1,333,333 | $277,500 | 2022 (RFA) |
| 2022 | Anaheim Ducks | 2 years (2022-24) | $1,700,000 | $850,000 | N/A | 2024 (RFA) |
| 2024 | Anaheim Ducks | 1 year (2024-25) | $1,100,000 | $1,100,000 | N/A | 2025 (UFA) |
