Despite still technically being under contract with the Dallas Stars, Oula Palve has already decided to take his talents back overseas. The Finnish forward has signed a two-year contract with Linkoping HC of the SHL, ending his sojourn in North America after just one season.
Palve, 28, was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 after he starred in Finland for several years. A talented offensive player that scored 51 points in 53 games during the 2018-19 season, he was asked to play a checking role for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and then the Texas Stars following a midseason trade.
That defensive role is exactly what Palve is looking to escape, telling his new team that playing a more offensive game was a big part of the decision to return to Europe.
In 60 games split between WBS and Texas, Palve recorded three goals and 13 points. His one-year contract will expire at the end of the season, leaving him an unrestricted free agent.
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