The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Antti Saarela (AN-tee sah-REH-lah) on a two-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2024-25 season ($896,250 salary cap hit).
Saarela, 21, registered 18 points (7G, 11A) in 41 contests with Lukko (Liiga) during the 2022-23 campaign, setting a career high in assists. He also scored two goals in six 2023 Liiga playoff games.
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward has compiled 73 points (32G, 41A) in 190 career Liiga games and five points (2G, 3A) in 15 career postseason contests with Lukko and Ilves. Saarela set career highs in goals (12) and points (19) during the 2021-22 season with Ilves.
The native of Laitila, Finland was originally drafted by the Blackhawks in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft.
RELEASE: Blackhawks Sign Saarela to Entry-Level Contract
Saarela, 21, registered 18 points (7G, 11A) in 41 contests with Lukko (Liiga) during the 2022-23 campaign, setting a career high in assists.
