Twelve games into the 2005–06 NHL season with the Islanders, during which he scored a goal and an assist, Petteri suffered a severe knee injury.

[2] On March 3, 2010, Nokelainen was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a sixth round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

[3] Helping the Coyotes qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 7 seasons, Petteri went scoreless in five postseason games against the Detroit Red Wings.

On July 1, 2010, Nokelainen was bought out from the remaining year of his contract by the Coyotes, releasing him as a free agent.

[6] On October 23, 2011, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Nokelainen and defenceman Garrett Stafford from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Brock Trotter and a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.