Toronto Maple Leafs sign 6'6 defenseman ahead of the playoffs

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Tyler Ball
April 14, 2024 (5:18 PM)

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Today the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed a 26-year-old defenseman to a contract just days before the playoffs begin. Nicolas Mattinen who had been playing in the German DEL has agreed to a deal with the team.

The Maple Leafs announced on X their contract agreement with defenseman Nicolas Mattinen which will begin for the 2024-25 NHL season. Before signing him the Maple Leafs originally drafted Nicolas Mattinen all the way back in 2016.

We've signed defenceman Nicolas Mattinen to a one-year, two-way contract beginning in 2024-25

During his time in the DEL, Nicolas Mattinen was a highly successful offensive defenseman. This season he played 52 games and had 46 points.

Well here's a funny one. The Leafs drafted Mattinen back in 2016 but didn't sign him. Now he's back after a standout season in Germany.

6-foot-6 RHD who scored 16 goals and 46 points in 52 DEL games with Straubing this year. 26 years old, went to the University of Ottawa

As of now, it is not known whether the plan is to start Nicolas Mattinen in the NHL or the AHL next season. Regardless of where he starts, he will likely get an NHL look at some point. If Nicolas Mattinen can translate his offensive success to the NHL he could be a major pickup for the Maple Leafs.