The Kings signed forward prospect Aatu Jämsen to a two-year, entry-level contract last night, per CapFriendly. The deal carries an $852.5K cap hit and will pay him $775K in base salary, a $77.5K signing bonus and a minor-league salary of $80K each season.
Notably, Jämsen’s contract does not have a European assignment clause. He was entering the final season of his contract with Liiga’s Pelicans, but it now appears he’ll come over and make his North American professional debut for AHL Ontario next season.
Jämsen, 22 in July, has been on a solid development path since being drafted by the Kings in the seventh round in 2020. The 6’2″ winger has been a solid middle-six depth scorer for Pelicans over the past two seasons, putting up 14 goals each year. He was limited by injuries this year, appearing in 36 out of 60 games, but still managed 14 goals and 25 points with a +7 rating.
That kind of production in a professional league at a young age is a promising sign as he makes the move to Southern California. Expecting him to receive an NHL call-up next season would be premature, but he should slot into a significant role on the farm with the Reign.
Jämsen will be waivers exempt for the life of the entry-level deal unless he plays more than 70 NHL games. He’ll become a restricted free agent upon expiry in 2026.