Wyatt Kalynuk, a former member of the Vancouver Canucks, is set to continue his professional hockey career in Europe for the 2024-25 season.
The Lahti Pelicans, a prominent team in Finland’s Liiga, have announced that they’ve secured Kalynuk’s services with a one-year contract.
Kalynuk’s move to Liiga
In a recent social media update, the Lahti Pelicans confirmed the signing of Wyatt Kalynuk, highlighting their excitement about his arrival. Lahti Pelicans sports director Janne Laukkanen expressed confidence in Kalynuk’s fit with the team, praising his skating and game intelligence as assets that align well with the fast-paced style of Liiga.
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Translated from Finnish.
“Kalynuk is known for his attacking skills and ability to create goal chances. His strong skating skills and understanding of the game fit well with Liiga’s fast style of play. Although he does not yet have experience playing in Europe, his versatile background in various leagues in North America and college hockey gives him a good basis to adapt,” Laukkanen said.
Kalynuk, originally from Brandon, Manitoba, was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round of 2017. After spending three years in the NCAA, he opted to become an unrestricted free agent instead of signing with the Flyers. He subsequently signed an entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played 26 games over the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
During the summer of 2022, Kalynuk became a free agent once more when the Blackhawks chose not to extend a qualifying offer.
On the first day of free agency, the Vancouver Canucks signed him to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $750,000. Despite appearing in pre-season games, Kalynuk did not play in the regular season for Vancouver and spent the majority of the year with AHL Abbotsford.
In March of the 2022-23 season, he was traded to the New York Rangers for future considerations. With the Abbotsford Canucks, he registered 17 points in 46 games.
At 27 years old, Kalynuk’s move to the Lahti Pelicans represents a new chapter in his career. With his offensive skills and versatility, he is expected to be a key player for the Pelicans. The question now is whether he will return to North America after his European stint.
What are your thoughts on Wyatt Kalynuk’s decision to play in Europe? Do you think he will make a return to North America after the 2024-25 season?
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