Panthers sign Samu Salminen to entry-level contract

An accomplished collegiate star has inked his first NHL deal.

On Sunday, the Florida Panthers signed forward Samu Salminen to a two-year, entry-level contract. According to PuckPedia, the deal will carry an NHL AAV of $1.016 million ($980,000 cap hit) and a minor-league salary of $875,000 through the 2027-28 season.

Salminen was originally taken by the New Jersey Devils in the third round, 68th overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft. However, he became an unrestricted free agent last month after not signing with the Devils after his four years of college hockey were finished.

The 23-year-old has some work to do in order to become an everyday NHLer, but he has the foundation of being a solid asset in the future. Standing at 6-foot-3 and already weighing over 200 pounds, he can be a strong and physical player down the middle, but can also be used on the wing to fill any gaps in the lineup.

Salminen has shown that versatility over the past few years. He started his NCAA career at the University of Connecticut, but joined the blue bloods of the University of Denver before the 2024-25 season. Under head coach David Carle, the Finnish scorer flourished, posting over 25 points in his final two years of eligibility. He set career highs in goals (11) and points (29) in 2025-26, good for sixth on the Pioneers. He was a solid secondary scorer on a DU team that won a national championship.

In 149 appearances in college hockey, Salminen posted 37 goals and 54 assists for 91 points.