International Hockey Roundtable
Flyers draft pick signs in Finland
© Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Flyers draft pick signs in FinlandCanadian defenseman Wyatt Kaynuk, 27, has signed a one-year contract with the Lahti Pelicans, the Finnish Liiga club announced on Thursday.
“Kalynuk is known for his offensive skills and his ability to create scoring chances,” said Pelicans sports director Janne Laukkanen. “His strong skating skills and understanding of the game fit well with the Liiga’s fast style of play. Although he does not yet have experience playing in Europe, his versatile background in various leagues in North America and in college hockey gives him a good basis to adapt.”
Kalynuk was a seventh-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017 and then spent the next three seasons playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, serving as team captain his last season.
Over the next two seasons, Kalynuk played 26 NHL games for the Chicago Blackhawks, recording nine points and six penalty minutes. He’s also spent time in the minor-league systems of the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues, and went to the training camp of the Arizona Coyotes last season. He had 18 points and 65 penalty minutes in 66 games for the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds in 2023-24.
“At 27 years old, Kalynuki still has a lot to give and development potential. His versatility, offensive skills and experience make him a potential key player for the Pelicans,” Laukkanen continued.
The Pelicans have advanced to the Liiga finals in each of the past two seasons, losing to Tappara both times. The Lahti club has made the finals a total of three times in its history but has never won a title. The Pelicans will compete in the Champions Hockey League this upcoming season.
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