The Los Angeles Kings have continued to add depth to their blue line by signing Finnish prospect Otto Salin to a three-year entry-level contract.
The 21-year-old defenseman, drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has spent the past couple of years developing in Finland's top league, Liiga. His signing is an investment in bringing young talent into the mix with the hope of integrating it into the team's future, and his potential contribution over the next few years could be significant.
Who is Otto Salin?
Salin, who hails from Helsinki, has moved steadily up the ranks of Finnish hockey. He started playing for HIFK Helsinki and later TPS Turku, where he set career highs with eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points in 56 games last season. The right-shot defenseman is a playmaker with solid skating and is noted for his offense and skills in quickly moving the puck out of the defensive area.
Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 205 pounds, Salin is not imposingly large, but his quickness and hockey smarts allow him to be an effective two-way defenseman. He also showed flashes of being a power-play specialist, utilizing his vision and puck skills to create scoring chances.
What the Signing Means for the Kings
The Kings' blue-line defense has struggled the last few years, though it's been better this season. Veterans like Drew Doughty and Darcy Kuemper are the anchors on the back end, while young guns like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence battle more significant minutes. Adding Salin into the mix gives the franchise another right-shot defenseman in the works, something of a precious gem in today's NHL.
Salin's deal suggests that the Kings see a real future for him within the organization. Even if he doesn't receive a direct promotion to the NHL, the agreement ensures he'll be in the team's system, likely starting with the AHL's Ontario Reign. If he fits into the North American game well, he could be in contention for a call-up in the next few years.
What Salin Adds to the Organization
Salin's most appealing characteristic is arguably his puck-moving ability. His skating is a huge asset, allowing him to escape the defensive zone in trouble and deliver clean breakout passes. The Kings have prioritized puck-moving defensemen over the past few seasons, understanding that speed and agility from the backend are needed in the modern NHL.
Defensively, Salin is not the most physical, primarily due to his size, which will be tough to overcome and adjust in the NHL, but he plays with a good positional awareness that enables him to close down plays.
His reading of the game and anticipation will be important factors in enabling him to adapt as quickly as possible to North American hockey, where the rink is tighter and time and space are limited.
With his offensive potential, he could be a valuable power-play player in the future. His game with TPS Turku proved that he can produce offense, and the Kings, with all their young talent and veterans to guide them, could have great scoring from the blue line in the future.
What's Next for Salin?
Upon signing, Salin is set to play for the rest of the season with the Ontario Reign. AHL time will serve as valuable experience in getting used to the game's style, particularly in adapting to keep up with the quicker and harsher pace of the game than Liiga.
His priority will be establishing himself as a reliable defenseman in the AHL, playing top-four minutes, and demonstrating his ability to withstand the demands of the pro level in North America.
If he performs well, he may receive an NHL call-up as early as next season, but the most probable scenario is that he will spend at least one complete season in the AHL before competing for a roster spot in 2026.
Long-Term Outlook with the Kings
Salin's future with the Kings will depend upon how quickly he can develop in the AHL. If he thrives with the Ontario Reign and shows he can handle defensive responsibilities while also contributing offensively, he could force his way into an NHL role sooner rather than later.
The Kings' right defense now is staffed by Doughty, Clarke, Spence, and Joel Edmundson, so breaking into the rotation won't be easy. But injuries and roster changes always leave opportunities, and Salin will be ready when his moment comes.
His best role in the NHL is that of a second—or third-pairing defenseman with power-play ability. If he can solidify his end without sacrificing his offense, he can become a valuable asset on the Kings' roster as they try to maintain success.
Final Thoughts
Signing Otto Salin is another part of the Kings' quest to assemble youth. While he will not be on the ice right away in the NHL, he can be an effective defenseman in the short term. His skating, vision, and offensive skill set make him an intriguing player as he transitions to North American hockey.
For now, Kings fans can follow his development in the AHL, where he'll be given the chance to demonstrate what he has to offer and gain experience for a potential spot in Los Angeles. Salin could be one to watch as a component of the Kings' blue line.
.
