Panthers Sign Former Devils NHL Draft Pick To Entry-Level Contract

The Florida Panthers have signed Samu Salminen to a two-year, entry-level contract, GM and President of Hockey Operations Bill Zito announced on Sunday. 

Salminen recently finished four years of college hockey and became a free agent after the New Jersey Devils elected not to sign him. The Devils originally drafted Salminen in the third round (68th overall) of the 2021 NHL draft. 

"Samu is a reliable playmaking forward who played a significant role on Denver’s national championship team," said Zito. "We are looking forward to his growth within our organization as he begins his professional career.” 

The 23-year-old split his college career between the University of Connecticut and the University of Denver, playing two seasons with each school. With Denver, Salminen won a National Championship as a teammate of Panthers prospect Jack Devine. In his second season with Denver, Salminen was named an alternate captain, scoring 11 goals and 29 points in 43 games.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 186 pounds, Salminen is a two-way, playmaking center with a solid frame.

The Finnish center never represented Finland at the World Junior Championship, but was a big-time contributor at the U-18 tournament, where he scored seven goals and nine points as the captain. 

Salminen will almost certainly start his North American professional career in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers as he continues to refine his game and add more offensive elements. 

Salminen's contract will pay him $980,000 annually in the NHL, with an $87,000 minor league salary.

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