New Jersey Devils defenseman Santeri Hatakka is taking his talent overseas. HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) has announced that they have signed the left-shot blueliner to a two-year contract for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
Hatakka, 24, appeared in 19 games this season with the Utica Comets, where he had one goal, one assist, 20 penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. He did not kick off his regular-season until February due to a shoulder injury and did not receive a call-up to the Devils' roster this campaign.
Hatakka played in 12 games for the Devils during the 2023-24 season, posting two assists, 12 blocks, 14 hits, and a plus-5 rating.
Hatakka was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 184th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Devils from the Sharks during the 2022-23 season as a part of the deal that also brought Timo Meier to New Jersey. In 21 career NHL games over two seasons split between the Sharks and Devils, Hatakka has four assists and 19 hits.
If the Devils send Hatakka a qualifying offer this off-season, they will maintain his NHL signing rights until 2028.
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