Hurricanes Sign Veteran Free Agent Forward

The Carolina Hurricanes have reached into the European free-agent market to sign a veteran forward who'll be making his first attempt at coming to North America, inking Juha Jääskä out of Finland to an entry-level deal.

The #Canes have signed forward Juha Jaaska to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2024-25 season 🖊️ https://t.co/bhJmgwv5Lq

— x - Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 9, 2024

It's a one-year ELC for the previously undrafted Finn. He'll earn $775,000 if he cracks the Canes roster at the NHL level, and $82,500 at the AHL level.  Jääskä brings defensive intensity, energy and speed. This season, he recorded 30 points in 57 games with HIFK in Finland's Liiga.

🚨 Kevään mies – Juha Jääskä! 💪

📺 @MTVUrheilu | #Liiga #HIFK pic.twitter.com/r9A1jlTfqa

— Liiga (@smliiga) April 2, 2024

He's suited up with the HIFK side for nine seasons, registering a total of 51 goals, 91 assists and 142 points in 310 career games. He's also represented Finland internationally, in, among other events, the U-18 World Championship in 2016 and the 2018 World Junior Championship in Buffalo.

“Juha is a veteran forward who brings energy and intensity to every shift,” said Hurricanes GM Don Waddell. “He’s performed consistently in Finland, and we’re excited to see what he can do in North America.”

The 26-year-old is a 6’0”, 196-pound forward. 

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports