The Minnesota Wild have signed free agent forward Michael Keranen to a two-way contract for the 2014-15 season.
Keranen tied to lead the Finnish elite league with 52 points including 17 goals, 35 assists, 47 penalty minutes and a plus-12 rating in 52 games.
“We are excited to get Michael under contract for next season,” said Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher. “He had a very good year in Finland and our scouting staff thinks he is ready for the challenge of coming to North America. We are happy to add him to our lists of prospects and look forward to seeing how he performs in training camp.”
Keranen received the Golden Helmet Award, which goes to the best player in the Finnish League.
According to the Star Tribune, Keranen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but he grew up in Finland and represented Finland during international competition.
The 6-foot, 1-inch, left-handed shooter has not been drafted by other NHL teams.
Finnish league scoring champ Michael Keranen (52 points in 52 games) signs a 2-way deal with @mnwild. Undrafted FA.
— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) June 5, 2014
FOX Sports Net reports that Keranen comes to the Wild from the same league that has developed a lot of their other top players. Mikko Koivu, Mikael Granlund and Niklas Backstrom all played in the Finnish Elite League.
In four seasons with Ives, Keranen has collected 101 points, 41 goals, 60 assists and 122 penalty minutes.
