The Florida Panthers have signed Finnish forward Samu Salminen to a two-year entry-level contract, according to reports from Puckpedia.
Salminen, 23, was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft. After the Devils did not offer him a contract, he became an unrestricted free agent this past summer, allowing him to negotiate with any NHL organization.
The 190-centimeter center has spent the last four seasons playing in the United States collegiate system. He played two seasons at the University of Connecticut before transferring to the University of Denver for his final two seasons. During the most recent campaign at Denver, Salminen recorded 29 points, including 11 goals and 18 assists, in 43 games.
Salminen joins a Florida Panthers roster that already features several Finnish players, including Aleksander Barkov, Niko Mikkola, Eetu Luostarinen, and Anton Lundell.
Article source: www.iltalehti.fi | Image credit: www.iltalehti.fi