The Islanders may be holding off on announcing most of their free agent contracts but they aren’t delaying signing their prospects as they announced the signing of Aatu Raty to a three-year, entry-level deal. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 18-year-old was once viewed as a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft but his stock slipped throughout the season, allowing New York to grab him with the 51st overall selection. Raty spent the majority of last season with Karpat of the SM-liiga, notching three goals and three assists in 35 games while averaging 11:38 per contest. He was more productive against his age group as he picked up eight points in seven contests in Finland’s junior level.
Raty is under contract with Karpat for next season already and while the Isles could bring him over and give him a chance at making the NHL roster (he won’t be eligible for the AHL because of his existing contract) but the likelier scenario is that he remains in Finland and takes aim at a bigger role with Karpat. If that happens, his deal will slide and will have three years remaining on it next summer.