NY Islanders sign Eetu Liukas to a three-year, entry-level contract

On Wendesday, the NY Islanders signed Finnish forward Eetu Liukas to a three-year, entry level contract.

Liukas was selected by the Islanders in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Leading up to his draft year, Liukas played 19 games in Liiga for HC TPS. He scored one goal and three points. Following his draft year, Liukas registered eight goals and 12 points in 48 games with TPS. He upped his game in the playoffs scoring four goals in 17 games during the 2022 post season.

2022-23 was his best season yet, however, scoring 14 goals and 23 points in 58 games. Liukas' newly acquired goal scoring is a bonus to his makeup. He's developed well over the last few seasons, however, he wasn't drafted to collect points.

Liukas' profile on EliteProspect reads:

"He plays a physical north-south game, and takes to his role with a great deal of enthusiasm. He’s never seen an opportunity to play the body that was too good to pass up. He’s got a pretty heavy shot, too; his one-timer, in particular, does serious damage."

The 20-year-old forward stands tall at 6-foot-2 and 198 lbs. His physical presence has been present at multiple levels, both at Finland's highest professional level in Liiga and at the Worlds playing for Team Finaland.

In 2021-22, Liukas helped Team Finland claim a silver medal at the U20 World Junior Championships. In 2022-23, Liukas was the most penalized player in Liiga with 104 penalty minutes in 58 games.

Scouts compare Liukas to an NHL player Islander fans all know and love, Casey Cizikas. Despite signing with the Islanders, Liukas can remain overseas in Finland. However, putting pen to paper more likely means he'll be crossing the pond to North America and playing with the Islanders AHL affiliate Bridgeport Islanders.