Kraken Sign Finnish Forward

With the NHL Draft less than a month away and NHL free agency set to begin July 13, the Kraken front office is busy with scouting meetings along with evaluating and signing free-agent prospects no longer eligible for the draft. To that end, Seattle signed forward Ville Petman to a two-year contract Thursday with an average annual value (AAV) of $791,250.
The 22-year-old Finn has been playing in his country's top professional league, Liiga, over the past four seasons while also appearing in more than 70 games on national teams in world championships tournaments. He exhibited significant progress over those four seasons, culminating with a 2021-22 season in which the center and left wing scored 15 goals and 24 assists in 59 games played for SaiPa, the pro team in his hometown of Lappeeranta.
In total, Petman has played 153 Liiga games (54 with Lukko as a 19- and 20-old and 99 since with SaiPa) scoring 18 goals and adding 34 assists competing against men who are five to 15-plus years older.

"Ville had a good year last season in Finland's top league and combines offensive and defensive instincts," said Seattle Kraken General Manager Ron Francis. "We like his competitiveness and ability to play with an edge and welcome him to the Kraken organization."
One indicator of Petman's upward trend this past season is his shot percentage (goals scored divided shots on goal) rose to 12 percent. Plus, he played roughly 20 minutes per game and spent time on the team's top line.
Petman is likely join the Kraken for the team's summer development camp and fall training camp. He is signed with SaiPa for the upcoming season but he could be a candidate to be added to the new American Hockey League affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds. The Kraken no doubt like the young forward's versatility to play center or wing on his natural left-handed shooting side.
One of Finland's top prospects site provides insight into Petman's game: "He played with no fear toward physical involvement and tight spots, doesn't rush out of position ... powerful passes and sees the ice well ... high work ethic ... reliable at his own end, especially for a player of his age thanks to his above average positioning ... shows some grit, hard hits, goes directly to the net and was willing to take bruises if it helps his team."