The Hurricanes appear set to give a new forward his first taste of NHL action. The team announced that they’ve recalled Juha Jaaska from AHL Chicago. The move was made after 4 PM CT and thus will not officially hit Carolina’s books from a salary cap perspective until Thursday.
The 26-year-old is in his first season in North America after signing a one-year, entry-level deal with the Hurricanes back in April. The contract carries an AAV of $850K. Jaaska put up two straight seasons of at least 30 points with HIFK in Finland’s Liiga which helped earn him this contract while he also suited up for his country at the 2024 Worlds, albeit in a limited role.
So far, Jaaska has played exclusively with the Wolves, tallying seven goals and nine assists in 25 games, producing at a similar point-per-game level as he was back home. His 16 points are good for a tie for third in team scoring.
Even though he’s on his entry-level deal, Jaaska will be eligible to test the open market again this summer as an unrestricted free agent so he’ll be looking to make a good impression in his first taste of action at the top level.