"The Oilers may have solved their lengthy quest for a solid backup to Tommy Salo. While Markkanen struggled in training camp last season, he became entrenched as the Oilers second stringer by mid-season. He's a sound positional goaltender, always ready for the first shot. He's also capable of taking over the lead role for small stretches. Markkanen must now work on handling the puck and controlling his rebounds. While the Finnish netminder won't steal minutes from Salo anytime soon, he'll continue to provide stability whenever the No. 1 man has the night off." (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 177)

"The Oil would love nothing more than to see Markkanen copy countryman Miikka Kiprusoff's success with the provincial rival Flames. However, the 30-year-old Finn is more likely to remain a No. 1A goalie - rather than emerge as the unquestioned starter. A broken collarbone may sideline Markkanen to start 2005-06." (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 103)

• Selected by Edmonton Oilers in fifth round (133rd overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 24, 2001.
• Traded by Oilers (with fourth-round selection in 2004 draft) to New York Rangers for D Brian Leetch, June 30, 2003.
• Resigned as restricted free agent with Rangers, July 17, 2003.
• Traded by Rangers (with C Petr Nedved) to Edmonton Oilers for F Dwight Helminen, G Stephen Valiquette and a 2004 second-round selection, March 3, 2004.
• Signed with Lada Togliatti (Russian League) during NHL lockout, September 25, 2004.
• Resigned as restricted free agent to two-year contract with Oilers, August 5, 2005.

• Markkanen's first National Hockey League game, first National Hockey League win, and first National Hockey League shutout all came on November 28, 2001, when his Oilers defeated Steve Shields and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, 2-0. Georges Laraque scored for the Oilers midway through the first period, but Markkanen held onto the one goal lead until 4:42 remained, when Shawn Horcoff sealed the game. Markkanen made twenty-seven saves in the contest, including thirteen in the final period, and was chosen as the game's first star. Perhaps his best save came early in the third when, with Eric Brewer off for crosschecking, Markkanen made a glove save on Paul Kariya's one-timer from the slot.

• Broken collarbone; missed one game, October 4, 2005.
• Suffered flu; missed two games, February 7, 2006.