The New York Rangers made headlines by naming Mike Sullivan their new head coach, but they also took care of some important roster business by signing a promising Finnish forward to a two-year contract.
While Sullivan’s hire captured most of the spotlight, general manager Chris Drury checked off another key item on his offseason agenda. Financial terms weren’t officially disclosed, but reports suggest the Finnish forward will earn $1.25 million annually. He was set to become a restricted free agent this summer and will retain RFA status with arbitration rights in 2027.
At just 24 years old, the Finnish forward played for three NHL teams this season. He recorded 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) across a career-high 48 games with the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and the Rangers, who acquired him from Colorado in the Ryan Lindgren trade on March 1.
“It wasn’t ideal being traded twice in one season,” the Finnish forward admitted on break-up day. “It was my first experience with the business side of the game. But I feel like I’ve landed in a great spot now, and I’m really happy about it. I hope I can stay.”
With the Rangers, the Finnish forward tallied five points in 11 games. He came alive late in the season, registering three points (a goal and two assists) in a dominant 9-2 win over the Islanders on April 10, and adding another goal and assist in a comeback victory over the Panthers four days later.
Prior to that surge, he went eight straight games without a point—or even a shot on goal. However, he showed grit by stepping in to fight Capitals defenseman Matt Roy after a hit on Brennan Othmann.
Despite some offensive upside, the Finnish forward was scratched more often than he played—12 healthy scratches in 23 possible games. When in the lineup, he held a bottom-six role, shifting between center and wing. His faceoff win rate was 40.3%, and his underlying metrics were poor, with the team generating just 28.57% of expected goals at even strength when he was on the ice. The Rangers were also out-chanced 77-21 in those situations.
Still, the Finnish forward found the experience valuable. “Of course I want to play more,” he said. “But overall, it was a really good experience.”
Originally selected by Nashville in the seventh round of the 2019 Draft (No. 210 overall), the Finnish forward has totaled 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 137 NHL games. He had a breakout 25-point rookie season in 2022-23 and scored a career-high eight goals the next year.
Looking ahead, the Rangers’ center depth includes J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad (if not moved to wing), Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, and the Finnish forward, with Matt Rempe also in the mix. Prospects Noah Laba and Dylan Roobroeck, who scored 20 goals in his first pro season, are coming up through the ranks in Hartford.
Six restricted free agents remain unsigned this offseason, led by K’Andre Miller and Will Cuylle, along with Rempe, Adam Edstrom, Zac Jones, and Arthur Kaliyev.
