Senators sign Nikolas Matinpalo to one-year, entry-level contract

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetJune 12, 2023 - 3:00pm

Finland's Nikolas Matinpalo passes the puck during the group A match between Finland and Denmark at the ice hockey world championship in Tampere, Finland, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. (Pavel Golovkin/AP)

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenceman Nikolas Matinpalo to a one-year, entry-level contract on Thursday.

The 24-year-old European free agent played for Assat Pori in Finland this past season where he picked up 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 51 games.

"Nikolas' signing represents a good depth addition for us on defence," said Senators GM Pierre Dorion in a statement. "He took a big step this past season in improving his overall game in a short period of time. He has size, reach and an active stick. He's also a very good puck mover who competes and plays with urgency which has helped him become a reliable defender."

Matinpalo is currently representing Finland at the 2023 IIHF Men's World Hockey Championship.

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