The Florida Panthers have signed Henrik Haapala to a two-year entry-level contract. The deal is worth $925K, and also includes $425K in possible Schedule A performance bonuses. The team has also signed Maxim Mamin to a two-year entry-level contract, worth $758K each season. Both players will be restricted free agents following the 2018-19 season.
Haapala was the top scorer in Finland this season, finishing with 60 points in 51 games. The 23-year old is tiny—sometimes listed at just 5’8″ 156-lbs—but the Panthers should know what they’re getting. Aleksander Barkov played with Haapala when they were young, though the former second-overall pick had much earlier success. Haapala nevertheless has developed into the most dangerous scoring threat in the country, using his incredible edge work and elusiveness to create offense. Like other small players, Haapala will be challenged to find room in the quicker North American game. His talent is readily apparent though, and Florida was likely not the only team after him.
Mamin on the other hand was drafted by the Panthers in the sixth-round last season, only to suit up for his hometown CSKA Moscow once again this year. In an increased role Mamin performed well scoring 25 points in 42 games, good for fourth on the club. The 22-year old had been passed over in several previous drafts, but is apparently ready to come to North America and will be under contract for the next two seasons. He’s grown quite a bit since he was first eligible to be drafted, and now stands at 6’2″ 200-lbs.
Finnish newspaper Aamulehti was first to report that Haapala had signed, while CapFriendly provided the financial details on the two deals.