Matikka just finished his freshman season with the Pioneers
The Utah Hockey Club are expected to sign Denver forward Miko Matikka, Brad Elliott Schlossman reported Thursday.
Matikka, who just finished his freshman season with the Pioneers, scored 20 goals (good for second on the team) and added 13 assists for 33 points in 43 games played.
Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Matikka played junior hockey in Finland as well as one season in the USHL (with the Madison Capitols and Waterloo Black Hawks) before making his way to Denver.
As Matikka makes the jump to the pros, he has the skills required to make an impact. Standing at 6-foot-3, Matikka blends his solid frame with an ability to create for himself and others.
In the offensive zone, he uses his size to protect the puck and can find teammates through layers of pressure. Matikka can also navigate in tight areas to create looks for himself. When the play transitions the other way, Matikka has the ability to close players off to the perimeter and uses his frame to separate player from puck when given the chance.
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