Defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo went undrafted on his journey to the NHL. The Espoo, Finland, native would have to wait until 25 years old to make his NHL debut.
Matinpalo would only play four games for the Ottawa Senators last season. In those four games, Matinpalo recorded zweo points with a +1 rating. In June 2024, the Senators signed Matinpalo to a one-year, two-way extension.
The Senators are back to play tonight for the first time since Dec. 22 as they take on the Winnipeg Jets at 7 p.m. ET. With the nine-game road trip back up and running tonight, the Senators want to be a healthier team and feel safer with five more road games to play.
Matinpalo gets called up from Belleville
The Senators have confirmed Linus Ullmark won't be traveling with the team. Anton Forsberg is also injured. The Senators' two goaltenders are both injured and not ready to play, which is brutal. Michael Amadio, David Perron and Artem Zub are also out with injuries.
Injuries are piling up for the Senators at a brutal time. Today, the Senators called up Matinpalo, who is now 26 years old from the AHL in Belleville. With five games left on the road trip, having an extra defenseman doesn't hurt. It also could provide Matinpalo an opportunity to play if a defenseman gets injured or is struggling.
ROSTER UPDATE: The #Sens have recalled Nikolas Matinpalo from the @BellevilleSens.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) December 28, 2024
Les #Sens ont rappelé Nikolas Matinpalo des @BellevilleSens.
In 23 games played this season in Belleville, Matinpalo has seven points with a -4 rating. Matinpalo has more AHL points this season than four current defensemen on the Senators.
When Matinpalo did play in the NHL last season, he barely got playing time. Matinpalo only averaged seven minutes of ice time. In the fourth and final NHL game Matinpalo played last season, he had an ice time of just 5:50.