Topic: Ville Peltonen

Ville Peltonen (born May 24, 1973 in Vantaa, Finland) is a Finnish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks as their third round pick, 58th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

Ville Peltonen is the son of Esa Peltonen, a member of IIHF Hall of Fame, who played 277 games (93+49=142) for the Finnish national team.

Peltonen started his professional career with HIFK in the Finnish SM-liiga. He showed great talent in 3 complete seasons with HIFK and left the team to play in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks in 1995, but after two seasons there he returned to Europe. After a year with Frölunda HC in the Swedish Elitserien, Peltonen returned to the United States to play for the Nashville Predators, it was short lived, however. His career continued with a two-season stint with Jokerit before heading to Swiss league. Peltonen played three outstanding seasons for HC Lugano, earning him a place in Finland's 2004 World Cup of Hockey and 2006 Olympic teams. Playing well together with Olli Jokinen in those aforementioned tournaments, Peltonen signed to a 1-year contract with the Florida Panthers in the NHL. After 2006–07 season, his first with the Panthers, Peltonen was offered a 2-year extension, which he accepted.