Winnipeg Jets sign Olympic gold medalist to one-year deal

According to PuckPedia, the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with 2022 Olympic gold medalist and 2022 World Championship gold medalist, Saku Maenalanen. The contract is worth $750,000 at the NHL level and $225,000 at the AHL level.

Maenalanen, 28, was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators back in 2013, but never signed and remained in Finland's top division, Liiga. In 2018, he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, appearing in 34 games during the 18-19 season, before heading to the KHL for the next two seasons.

Last season, the Tornio native returned to Liiga, signing with his old club, Karpat. In 47 games, Maenalanen had 41 points (thirteen goals, 28 assists), 67 penalty minutes and was a plus-fourteen. He went on to add one goal in seven playoff games.

On the international stage, it was a big year for Maenalanen. He represented Finland at the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, helping them bring home their first-ever goal medal in ice hockey. He put up one assist, two penalty minutes and was a plus-two in six games in Beijing.

A few months following the Beijing Olympics, Maenalanen played at the 2022 IIHF World Hockey Championship on home ice. Finland won the gold medal, with the 6'4" right winger tallying two goals and 29 penalty minutes in nine games.

The #NHLJets signed 28 y/o F Saku Maenalanen to 1 year deal

NHL 750K
Minors 225K

13G 41P in 47 Liiga GP
8P in 34 GP w/ #Canes in '18

Rep'd by Diamond/Gandler ISAhttps://t.co/qkUplXZG1f— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 19, 2022

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