Tukonen has played in North America for the Los Angeles Kings organization and is a former member of Finnish clubs, Espoo Blues, Ilves and TPS.

Lauri Tukonen was selected by the Los Angeles Kings as their first pick, 11th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Five months later on November 30, 2008, he was traded by the Stars to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Andrew Hutchinson.

He led Team Finland in scoring, along with teammates Lauri Korpikoski and Petteri Nokelainen, also with 11 points each.

Tukonen scored the game-winner to collect another bronze at the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he placed third on the tournament top scorers' list, second in assists, and second in plus-minus rating.