Hurricanes Sign Aleksi Heimosalmi To One-Year Deal

According to a team announcement, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Aleksi Heimosalmi. 

Heimosalmi’s contract is a two-way deal and will last through the 2026-27 season, where he’ll carry an annual cap hit of $850K in the NHL and $85K in the AHL.

The former 44th overall pick in the second-round of the 2021 NHL Draft finished his age 23 season with the Chicago Wolves, the AHL affiliate of Carolina, scoring four goals for 17 points in 52 regular-season games. He added two points in seven playoff games in the Wolves’ path to the 2026 Calder Cup Final.

Before coming over to North America last season, the Pori, Finland native spent three seasons with Assat in Finland’s professional league Liiga between 2021 to 2024. He scored 34 points in 139 career games in Liiga. He also represented Finland at both the 2023 and 2022 World Junior tournaments, winning a silver medal in 2022. He was also named Best Defenseman at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Juniors after ranking tied for second in goals with two and tied for first in points with eight among blueliners at the tournament.

The now 23-year-old profiles as a smooth skater who can cut through the neutral zone with poise in transition. He is also known for his composure with his stick and knowledge of where to be on defense. He ties as the second-oldest defender signed on Chicago’s roster, alongside Bryce Montgomery, and second to Juuso Valimaki, who is 27.