The Lightning have signed one of their prospects as CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that they’ve signed forward Niko Huuhtanen to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries an AAV of $925K and breaks down as follows:
2024-25: $775K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $57.5K games played bonus
2025-26: $775K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $57.5K games played bonus
2026-27: $775K salary, $92.5K signing bonus, $57.5K games played bonus
The 20-year-old was a seventh-round pick back in 2021, being taken with the 224th and final selection of that draft class. Since then, his stock has gone up considerably. Huuhtanen spent his post-draft season in junior with WHL Everett, collecting 37 goals and 40 assists in 65 games.
However, Huuhtanen decided to go back home and play professionally over staying in junior. He has spent the last two seasons with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga. After putting up a respectable 30 points in 48 games in his rookie season, Huuhtanen was even better this year, collecting 19 goals and 27 assists in 52 contests to lead his team in scoring while finishing inside the top 20 league-wide.
While his season in Finland is over, Huuhtanen’s campaign hasn’t ended just yet. He’s currently with AHL Syracuse on a tryout agreement as their playoff run continues (they begin the North Division Finals tonight) and is likely heading for a longer stay with them next season.