San Jose Sharks Sign Top European Free Agent Defenseman

The San Jose Sharks have signed Valtteri Pulli, a 22-year-old defenseman from TPS Turku in Finland, to a two-year entry-level contract.

Pulli, who was not initially considered a prospect for the NHL this season, has recorded 17 points in 53 games, including three goals and 14 assists.

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The #SJSharks have signed defenseman Valtteri Pulli to a two-year, entry-level contract.

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 3, 2023

His height of 6'6" and strong performance in the SM-Liga caught the attention of scouts and multiple NHL teams.

The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but Pulli's cap hit is reportedly $950,000. He still has a contract with TPS for the next season, but will join the Sharks next season.

However, if he fails to make the NHL roster and is sent back to Finland, he will still burn a year off his entry-level deal, which will last for only two seasons due to his age.

The #SjSharks signed undrafted UFA 22 y/o LD Valtteri Pulli to 2-year Entry Level Deal:

Salary 855K
Signing Bonus 95K
Minors 82.5K

Cap Hit/AAV 950K

Rep'd by Murray Koontz @WD_sportsagency https://t.co/x9zYqM5INI

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) May 3, 2023

According to Elite Prospects' Lasse Alanen, Pulli's improvements in his in-zone defense, breakouts, retrievals, and rush defense using his physicality and reach make him a promising late-bloomer prospect for the Sharks.

Mike Grier, the team's general manager, also praised Pulli's reliability and size, noting that he has played important minutes for successful programs such as TPS and the Finnish National Team camps.

It's clear that Pulli's performance in Finland has caught the attention of the Sharks and the NHL as a whole, and his signing is a notable addition to the team's roster. Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports