CANUCKSDAILY | NHL TEAM | FLORIDA PANTHERS

LATEST | Panthers forward leaves North America after signing contract in Europe

On Friday, it was announced that Florida Panthers restricted free agent forward Aleksi Heponiemi was leaving North America after being signed to a contract in Switzerland.

Heponiemi has agreed to terms on a contract for the 2023-24 season with EHC Biel in National League, which is Switzerland's highest division of professional hockey.

"Aleksi Heponiemi is a wonderful, elegant playmaker with a highly developed hockey scythe and good vision of the game. His general "skill level" is well above average and his speed and mobility are remarkable. He has not yet reached the peak of his ability and physically he has not yet been stable enough to be able to stir up the NHL. At least theoretically he fits in perfectly with our league, I'm really looking forward to Aleksi Heponiemi."

The 24-year-old Tampere, Finland native has spent the majority of his professional career in the American Hockey League, putting up 43 points in 62 games this past season. He's also appeared in 25 games at the NHL level with Florida, recording six points (two goals, four assists) and six penalty minutes.

Late last month, the Panthers issued a qualifying offer to Heponiemi, so they'll retain his rights if he decides to return to North America for the 2024-25 season.

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