Overview
- The Carolina Hurricanes signed Juuso Välimäki on June 24 to a one-year contract that pays $900,000 for time spent in the NHL during 2026-27.
- Välimäki returned from a torn ACL and posted strong AHL numbers, recording seven goals and 24 points in 27 regular-season games and adding five goals and 14 points in 21 playoff games as the Chicago Wolves reached the 2026 Calder Cup Final.
- Carolina acquired Välimäki from Utah in January for future considerations, a low-cost move that let the team evaluate his recovery and form before committing to a short-term deal.
- Before re-signing, Välimäki was reported to be in talks with SHL side Brynäs IF and had appeared willing to accept a pay cut to play in Sweden, so the new NHL contract ends that possibility for now.
- A 2017 first-round pick with 271 NHL games and 72 career points, Välimäki’s deal gives him a chance to re-establish himself at the NHL level and gives the Hurricanes an affordable, experienced left-shot option for their blue line.