Finnish forward Rasmus Kumpulainen has signed his three year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, who drafted him in the 2nd round in 2023.
Oshawa Generals forward Rasmus Kumpulainen has signed his three year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. The Wild drafted him 53rd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Kumpulainen is a 6-foot-2, Finnish winger with loads of pure skill. In his first season playing in North America, he has 55 points in 56 games.
The Finnish forward oozes skill and offensive creativity. A lot of his production flows through his hands and his ability to manipulate his opponents. He has a strong handle on the puck and is able to protect it using his feet and body under pressure. He also has the patience to out-wait opponents and create lanes to the net.
Kumpulainen has experience representing Finland at the international level, and was a big part of their run at the 2024 World Juniors in Sweden. He started off the tournament slow, but eventually picked it up and scored some big goals near the end.
Kumpulainen has dug his feet into a second-line centre role for the Generals, behind Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie. Most recently he's been playing alongside two forwards who can put the puck in the net at a high level — Connor Lockhart & Stuart Rolofs.
It has taken Kumpulainen no time at all to adapt himself to the North American-style of game, where it usually takes import players longer. Players like Eduard Sale have had a more difficult time adjusting to the CHL and the smaller ice, but everyone's timeline is different.
The Wild have clearly been impressed with Kumpulainen's progression in Oshawa, and now he is a permanent member of their organization.