The Flyers have signed one of their picks from the 2021 draft class, announcing that they’ve inked winger Samu Tuomaala to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 18-year-old was the 46th-overall pick last month and is the first player from Philadelphia’s draft class to sign. Tuomaala spent most of last season in Karpat’s junior league, notching 15 goals and 16 assists in 30 games although he did get into five games at the top level as well. He also boosted his draft stock with a strong showing at the Under-18s, leading Finland in scoring with five goals and six assists in seven games, good for a tie for fifth in tournament scoring.
Tuomaala is already signed in Finland for next season and since he wasn’t a first-round selection, Philadelphia will have to either keep him on their NHL roster or send him back. Where that will be remains to be seen as he could go to Karpat or to OHL Sudbury who drafted him in the CHL Import Draft. The loan is almost certain to happen in which case his entry-level deal will slide a year meaning that Tuomaala will still have three years left on his contract this time next year.
This kid has a high ceiling from what I hear. Nice pick for philly in Rd 2 if he pans out!!