The Winnipeg Jets have added to their prospect pool, announcing that they have signed winger Joona Luoto to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries a cap hit of just over $758K.
Luoto has come up through Tappara’s development system in Finland and has spent the past two seasons as a full-time player in the SM-liiga. While he was a capable scorer at the junior level, that hasn’t translated over to the pros just yet as he has compiled just 16 points in each of the last two years and had limited production in Champions League play as well.
At least one member of the Jets will be familiar with what the 21-year-old brings to the table as winger Patrik Laine also came up through Tappara’s system and the two have been teammates at times over the years. Luoto also played with prospect winger Kristian Vesalainen back at the 2017 World Juniors. While it’s unlikely that he will make an impact with the Jets next season, he’ll at least give Winnipeg more depth in their system and a year or two down the road after some time in the AHL, he could then potentially push for a roster spot.