Florida sign Sami Salminen to two-year entry-level contract
Former Denver forward Sami Salminen picks pro hockey over a fifth NCAA year and becomes a free agent, leaving New Jersey without his draft rights.
Florida have signed forward Sami Salminen to a two-year entry-level contract after he chose professional hockey over a fifth season in the NCAA. The 23-year-old will earn an average of $980,000 a season at NHL level, with performance bonuses included.
New Jersey drafted the Finn 68th overall in the third round in 2021 and held his rights while he played four years of college hockey. Because he was eligible to return to college, the Devils could have kept those rights beyond the 15 August deadline for signing collegiate players. Salminen told them he wanted to turn professional instead, and the NHL registered him as a free agent.
Last season he won the national college title with Denver, scoring 29 points (11+18) in 43 games with a plus-minus of +22.
New Jersey lose a prospect for nothing and get no return.
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