Salminen Signs with Panthers, Could Begin Pro Career in Charlotte
PuckPedia lists the former Denver forward on a two-year entry-level contract; Charlotte is Florida’s AHL affiliate.
Florida has signed forward Samu Salminen to a two-year entry-level contract, according to Pro Hockey Rumors and PuckPedia. PuckPedia lists the deal as signed September 20, with a $980,000 annual cap hit and a $1,016,250 average annual value for 2026-27 and 2027-28.
New Jersey selected Salminen 68th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Pro Hockey Rumors reports that he elected to turn pro rather than use a fifth college season, a decision that made him a free agent after the Devils' signing window closed.
The 23-year-old played his first two college seasons at Connecticut, scoring 17 points in each, then transferred to Denver. PuckPedia lists 28 points in 44 games in 2024-25 and 29 in 43 in 2025-26 with the Pioneers.
Charlotte, Florida's AHL affiliate, could be Salminen's first professional stop. The Panthers have not announced an assignment to the Checkers.
