The Seattle Kraken continue to add to their prospect pool via the acquisition of undrafted free agents. Today, the team announced the signing of 22-year-old Finnish forward Ville Petman to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $791,250.
The 22-year-old prospect is a versatile forward who can play either center or wing. Petman won gold at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Juniors, scoring five points in seven games. Standing 5’10” and 181 pounds, he took a gigantic step forward in production this season in the Liiga, scoring 15 goals, 24 assists, and 39 points in 59 games with SaiPa. His previous high in points in the top Finnish league was eight.
It’s that gigantic progression that Seattle hopes propels him to North America and into an NHL role in the future. Petman actually led SaiPa in scoring this season by 10 points, highlighting himself on a team that includes barely any players with an NHL connection. It’s unclear whether or not the contract has a European Assignment Clause, so whether Petman plays with the expansion Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL or is loaned back to Finland is unknown at this point.
Petman’s deal will expire in 2024, making him a restricted free agent that offseason.
Pet an is amazing player that virtually no one knows anything about. The Kraken have a steal here, getting a relatively young player with massive upside. If he spends any time with the Firebird, he’ll impress enough for a call up with the Kraken in short order!
Virtually no one but you and Ron Francis? Really? Going out on a limb but guessing that guys from the NHL, KHL, and various European Leagues know stuff about this player.
I’m guessing guys in various other leagues (particularly the NHL and KHL) have too much on their plate to be too well-versed in a guy’s game from another league. But maybe I’m wrong.
Petman le superhéro des flatulences.