Last month, the New Jersey Devils signed forward Juho Lammikko to a one-year, $800,000 contract for the 2025-26 season. This was after Lammikko spent each of the last three seasons in Switzerland's National League with the ZSC Lions.
Lammikko had a strong year with ZSC this past campaign, as he had 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points, and a plus-23 rating in 48 games. Now, he will be looking to make an impact with the Devils after landing this new one-year deal.
While Lammikko played each of the last three years overseas, he already comes with NHL experience. The 6-foot-2 forward has appeared in 159 career NHL games split between the Florida Panthers and Vancouver Canucks over three seasons, where he has recorded 11 goals, 15 assists, 26 points, and 188 hits. His last time in the NHL was during the 202`1-22 campaign, where he had seven goals, 15 points, and 93 hits in 75 contests.
Although Lammikko is not a big-name signing, he has the potential to be a solid pickup for the Devils. His size and physicality could help his chances of making the Devils' roster, whether he is a fourth-line or 13th forward. He also works on the penalty kill because of his solid defensive play, so he could help the Devils in that area as well. Yet, at a minimum, he should make an impact in the AHL with the Utica Comets if he does not make the Devils' roster.
Overall, there is no harm in the Devils bringing in Lammikko with this one-year contract. It will be intriguing to see how much of an impact he makes for New Jersey from here.
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