Today the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed a 26-year-old defenseman to a contract just days before the playoffs begin. Nicolas Mattinen who had been playing in the German DEL has agreed to a deal with the team.
The Maple Leafs announced on X their contract agreement with defenseman Nicolas Mattinen which will begin for the 2024-25 NHL season. Before signing him the Maple Leafs originally drafted Nicolas Mattinen all the way back in 2016.
We've signed defenceman Nicolas Mattinen to a one-year, two-way contract beginning in 2024-25
As of now, it is not known whether the plan is to start Nicolas Mattinen in the NHL or the AHL next season. Regardless of where he starts, he will likely get an NHL look at some point. If Nicolas Mattinen can translate his offensive success to the NHL he could be a major pickup for the Maple Leafs.