Golden Knights Sign Juho Piiparinen To Entry-Level Contract

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed their seventh first-round pick in team history. According to a team announcement, the Golden Knights have signed defenseman Juho Piiparinen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Vegas selected Piiparinen, 17, with the 29th overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft. The draft pick used for Piiparinen was well-traveled, starting with the Colorado Avalanche and then moving to the New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, and ultimately landing with the Golden Knights.

Despite being underage, the Lahti, Finland native spent much of last season with the Finnish Liiga’s Tappara, tallying three assists in 29 games with a +6 rating. In the U20 SM-sarja, Piiparinen had better offensive output, scoring one goal and 13 points in 15 games with a +9 rating. Additionally, he registered two assists in 14 playoff contests.

Instead of immediately jumping to North American hockey, Piiparinen is likely to spend the entire 2026-27 campaign with Tappara for another year of development. He’s a quality puck-moving defenseman, but more so for breaking pucks out of the defensive zone, rather than generating much offense from the point.

As for his standing with the Golden Knights organization, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether he’ll ever play for Vegas. Perpetually in contention, the Golden Knights have traded away every first-round pick they’ve ever made, aside from Trevor Connelly and Piiparinen, for immediate talent. Given that track record, it’s far likelier that Piiparinen’s first game in North America will with a different franchise.