For the second time this month, the Senators have gone free agent hunting in Europe, signing Finnish defenceman, Nikolas Matinpalo
Ottawa Senators' GM Pierre Dorion is currently overseas, doing a little scouting at the World Hockey Championships and obviously found someone he likes.
Dorion added some organizational blue-line depth today with the signing of Finnish defenceman Nikolas Matinpalo to a one-year, entry-level contract.
Matinpalo is 24 and played this season in the Finnish Elite League. The right-shot blueliner checks in at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds and had 16 points in 51 games with 20 penalty minutes.
"Nikolas' signing represents a good depth addition for us on defence," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion in a club statement. "He took a big step this past season in improving his overall game in a short period of time. He has size, reach and an active stick. He's also a very good puck mover who competes and plays with urgency, which has helped him become a reliable defender."
Earlier this month, Dorion signed Czech free agent winger Jiri Smejkal to a one year deal. Smejkal is expected to compete for a bottom six role.
Matinpalo was undrafted and has been playing for Team Finland this month at the World Hockey Championships in Finland/Latvia. Here are a few highlights from his club's YouTube channel, complete with some interviews (in Finnish).
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXAkLVY1FEY[/embed]