Watch out NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed another talented late-round pick. Today, the team announced a three-year entry-level contract for Otto Somppi, signing him ahead of the June 1st deadline. Somppi’s Halifax Mooseheads were eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs earlier this month, likely ending his junior career.
Selected in the seventh round in 2016, Somppi broke out this season in a more offensive role, scoring 83 points in 59 games for the Mooseheads. Known for his incredible hands—and semi-regular lacrosse-style plays—the 20-year old Finnish forward has many things teams look for in young prospects. A good defensive mind, if a little weak on his stick at times, Somppi can play a solid two-way game and contribute at both center and the wing. That versatility will come in handy as he tries to carve out a role for himself at the next level.
Tampa Bay has continued to develop a pipeline of talent in their minor league system, graduating players like Ondrej Palat (7th round, 2011), Jake Dotchin (6th round, 2012), Brayden Point (3rd round, 2014) and Anthony Cirelli (3rd round, 2015) in recent years. Though Somppi has a long way to go to be an impact player at the NHL level, he’s another talented player for the system to work with and hopefully squeeze some value out of.
Bit of a bummer for the Mooseheads. As hosts of the Memorial Cup, Somppi would have been guaranteed a berth in the tourney if he had returned to the Mooseheads as a 20 yr old. Not unexpected, but it means they will be looking for at least two new 20 yr olds plus 2 new Euro players.