The Devils hold Salminen’s rights until August 15th. Here’s why they should sign the center to an ELC.
The Case For Samu
Drafted by the Devils in the 3rd round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Samu Salminen is a 6’3” center, who played a key role in Denver’s NCAA championship this past season. Though Salminen’s offense never really popped as many hoped it would, Salminen is prized for his hockey sense and two-way play and reached career NCAA highs in goals (11) and points (29) this year.
The Devils lack of center depth
is a well-discussed topic with Matyas Melovsky as the most-promising center prospect currently in the AHL, and far from a sure bet at a NHL future. Recent NCAA center drafees had slow D+1 seasons and are still years away from pushing for a spot. Salminen would likely be in a similar position to Melovsky should he be signed, but both centers could challenge one another in Utica and make a push for a bottom six role or call-up position to the NHL should an opportunity arise.
In this article by Temu Suvinen for the Ilta-Sanomat, Salminen indicates that he wants to continue his career in North America. Salminen will be a free agent in mid-August and will likely wait to see what his options are at that time. However, the Devils still own his rights and should make a case for him. Center depth is never a bad thing, and even if nothing else materializes, a shake up of pivots in Utica is sorely needed.
Your Take
Do you think the Devils should sign Salminen? Why or why not? Post your comments below.
