The Minnesota Wild announced this afternoon that they have signed Rasmus Kumpulainen to a three-year entry-level contract (ELC). This contract will start with the 2024-25 season. The Wild drafted Kumpulainen during the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft at 53rd overall.
Kumpulainen is an 18-year-old forward who spent last season with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). He came away with 53 points in 55 games played. As a native of Finland, he played 7 games for his country in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship and scored two goals during that series.
A two-way centerman, Kumpulainen should help with depth at the position where Minnesota needs it the most. Standing 6’3″, he brings more physical size to a generally undersized team. The hope would be for the young Finn to mature into a Joel Eriksson Ek-type center. According to scouting reports, Kumpulainen is good at creating plays around the net and is comfortable in multiple areas on a power play. He does, however, need to work on his skating. At only 18 years old, Kumpulainen still has plenty of time to mature. Overall, he seems to project as a third-round center currently but could be able to play up in the lineup.
It’s unknown where Kumpulainen will end up next season. He could go back to the OHL, go back to play in his homeland, or turn pro and join the Iowa Wild in the AHL. Most likely, he will go back to juniors and skate again with the Oshawa Generals.
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