Aleksi Saarela
28-Year-Old
2024 Stats
G
0
A
0
PP Pts
0
+/-
0
PIM
0
2025 Projections
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Carolina in June 2016.
Still playing overseas
Saarela isn't expected to report to training camp Sunday, David Work of WPLG Local 10 News reports.
ANALYSIS
Saarela is an unsigned restricted free agent, although the Panthers did table a qualifying offer. The 23-year-old showcased his potential last season with four points -- one on the power play -- over nine games. He's been superb with Lukko of Finnish Liiga this year, ringing up 12 goals and six assists over 19 contests. He won't return to Florida in time to quarantine for the start of training camp, and it's unclear when or if he'll play in the NHL this year.
Saarela is an unsigned restricted free agent, although the Panthers did table a qualifying offer. The 23-year-old showcased his potential last season with four points -- one on the power play -- over nine games. He's been superb with Lukko of Finnish Liiga this year, ringing up 12 goals and six assists over 19 contests. He won't return to Florida in time to quarantine for the start of training camp, and it's unclear when or if he'll play in the NHL this year.
NHL Stats
Loading Skater Stats...
2024 NHL Game Log
2019
2018
2017
2024–25 Time On Ice Stats
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
Panthers Depth Chart
Our full team depth charts are reserved for RotoWire subscribers.
Subscribe Now
Panthers Power Play Depth Chart
Our full team depth charts are reserved for RotoWire subscribers.
Subscribe Now
2018 Fantasy Outlook
Saarela was impressive in his first full season at AHL Charlotte last season, ranking third on the team in goals with 25, and seventh in overall points with 43. Prior to last year, he was playing in the SM-liiga, Finland's top league, where he notched 77 points (including 42 goals) in 166 games over five seasons. Whether his sniper's skills can translate to the NHL game remains to be seen, but either way, he will likely need to spend at least one more year in the AHL before we can see what he can do at the NHL level.
More Fantasy News
No impact in return
Saarela (upper body) skated 13:01 and won his only faceoff in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Coyotes.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Good to go
Saarela (upper body) is expected to be available for Tuesday's game against Arizona, George Richards of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Injured in Saturday's game
Saarela (upper body) was injured in the third period of Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Golden Knights, George Richards of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Notches first NHL goal
Saarela potted a goal on five shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Ducks.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Up from AHL
The Panthers recalled Saarela from AHL Springfield on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Subscribe now to instantly reveal our take on this news.