Former NHL goaltender Mika Noronen, once a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres, faces allegations of tax fraud in his native Finland dating back to 2020.

Photo credit: NHL
According to a report by Ilta-Sanomat, Noronen is accused of aggravated tax fraud, with charges filed last month and a trial date pending.

The Finnish Penal Code outlines the severity of the accusations, noting the potential consequences if convicted, including jail time ranging from four months to four years.

Noronen, now working as a real estate agent, declined to offer substantial comment on the matter when approached by Ilta Sanomat.

Furthermore, it was reported that Noronen brokers luxury apartments for the wealthy in the United Arab Emirates, though he still maintains ties to his hometown of Tampere.

Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1997, Noronen played 71 NHL games, primarily with the Sabres. His career also included a brief stint with the Vancouver Canucks in 2006 before transitioning to European hockey until his retirement in 2016.