Seattle Kraken Sign Goaltender Kim Saarinen to a Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
The Seattle Kraken have added another promising young prospect to their roster, signing Finnish goaltender Kim Saarinen to a three-year, entry-level contract. Saarinen, who was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, is a big, athletic goalie with a strong pedigree. In fact, he was the Kraken’s second pick in that round, showcasing their confidence in his potential.
The Kraken are known for their dedication to developing young players, and Saarinen represents a great addition to their goaltending pipeline. The team has been working hard to build a solid foundation for the future and Saarinen’s signing is a testament to their long-term vision. The Kraken have a strong core of young players, and Saarinen could be a key piece of their future success.
His signing is exciting for Kraken fans, who are eager to see how he develops. Saarinen has the potential to be a dominant force in the NHL, and the Kraken are committed to helping him reach his full potential. He is a young, talented goalie with a bright future ahead of him.
- Seattle Kraken signed Finnish goaltender Kim Saarinen to a three-year entry-level contract.
- Saarinen was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, showcasing their confidence in his potential.
- Saarinen has a strong track record of success in Finland’s junior leagues, winning awards and accolades for his performance.
- His impressive stats in both junior and elite leagues demonstrate his readiness to compete at the professional level.
- The Kraken’s dedication to developing young players is evident in Saarinen’s signing, highlighting their commitment to building a strong future foundation.
- Fans are excited about Saarinen’s potential to become a dominant force in the NHL and are eager to see how he progresses with the team.
Saarinen’s Impressive Track Record
Saarinen has a strong track record of success in Finland’s junior leagues. He spent most of the 2023-24 season with HPK’s U20 squad, where he posted a 14-5 record with two shutouts, a 2.41 goals-against average, and a .917 save percentage. This impressive performance earned him the U20 SM-sarja Best Goalie award and a spot on the U20 First All-Star Team.
Saarinen’s impressive save percentage was second among all SM-sarja U20 netminders in 2023-24, demonstrating his ability to consistently perform at a high level. He showcased his skills and potential in the U20 league, proving that he can be a key player for the Kraken in the years to come.
He’s not just a promising junior hockey player, though. Saarinen also had success in the Finnish Elite (Liiga) teams, where he posted a 9-1-1 record in 11 games. This experience in a higher level of competition suggests that he’s ready to take the next step in his development and that he can adjust to the challenges of professional hockey. He’s not just a young prospect with raw talent; he’s already a proven winner.
Saarinen’s International Experience
Saarinen’s talent has also been recognized on the international stage. He represented Finland at the IIHF U18 World Championships and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2023-24, as well as the 2022-23 U17 World Hockey Challenge. He even won a bronze medal with the team at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, proving his ability to perform in high-pressure situations and compete at the international level.
His international experience is a valuable asset, giving him a chance to play against some of the best young players in the world, learning from the best coaches and developing his skills. He’s not just a talented player; he’s also a well-rounded individual who’s comfortable competing on the world stage.
Saarinen’s Potential for the Kraken
Saarinen’s signing is a smart move by the Kraken, who are building a competitive team for the future. His size and athleticism make him a difficult goalie to score on, and his strong performance in Finland’s junior leagues shows he has the skills and potential to succeed at the NHL level.
Saarinen’s signing is a further testament to the Kraken’s commitment to building a competitive roster through the draft. They have a solid foundation of young talent, and Saarinen could be a key piece of their future success. While he’s still young, the Kraken have high hopes for his future.
Saarinen’s Development Potential
The Kraken have a strong track record of developing young goaltenders, and they will be able to provide Saarinen with the resources and support he needs to reach his full potential. He will have the opportunity to work with experienced coaches and trainers who can help him improve his game and prepare him for the challenges of the NHL.
The Kraken are committed to developing their young players, and they will be patient with Saarinen as he adjusts to the professional game. They will give him the time and space he needs to develop his skills and reach his full potential. They understand that developing a young player takes time, and they are willing to invest in his future.
Saarinen’s Impact on the Kraken’s Goaltending Future
Saarinen adds depth to the Kraken’s goaltending corps, which currently boasts promising young goalies like Joey Daccord and Thomas Milic. With the potential of these young players, the Kraken are well-positioned to have a solid goaltending future.
Saarinen’s signing is a sign that the Kraken are serious about building a sustainable future for their franchise. They are committed to developing their young players, and they are willing to invest in their future. The Kraken are a team on the rise, and Saarinen could be a key part of their success in the years to come.
Saarinen’s Journey to the NHL: A Story of Talent and Determination
Saarinen’s journey to the NHL is a testament to his talent and determination. He has worked hard to develop his skills, and he has earned the opportunity to play at the highest level. He has the potential to be a star in the NHL, and he is excited to begin his professional career with the Kraken.
His signing is a cause for excitement among Kraken fans, who are eager to see him in action. Saarinen is a promising young player with a bright future ahead of him. He’s just beginning his journey, and he’s ready to show the world what he can do on the ice.
Conclusion: A Promising Addition to the Kraken’s Roster
The Seattle Kraken have acquired a talented young goaltender in Kim Saarinen, and they are excited to see what he can do in the NHL. His signing is a sign of the Kraken’s commitment to building a competitive team for the future. Saarinen has the potential to be a key player for the Kraken for years to come, and his journey to the NHL is just beginning.
As Saarinen continues to develop, the Kraken are confident that he will become a valuable asset to the team. The future is bright for both Saarinen and the Seattle Kraken, and this signing is a testament to the team’s commitment to building a sustainable future for the franchise.
