Senators sign Nikolas Matinpalo to two-year contract

Matinpalo spent the 2024-25 campaign primarily with Ottawa, where he tallied one goal and three assists for four points in 41 games. Matinpalo then appeared in all six of the Senators’ Stanley Cup playoff games. Matinpalo also spent time with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, scoring two goals and six assists for eight points in 24 games played.

“Nik took a significant step this season and proved he could be a valuable contributor at the NHL level,” said Staios. “We look forward to his continued growth.”

The 26-year-old made his North American professional debut last season after signing with Ottawa as one of the top European free agents, scoring four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 67 regular-season games with Belleville. He also played four games with the NHL club in 2023-24.

Matinpalo spent his first five professional seasons in Finland’s SM-liiga with Ilves Tampere and Assat Pori. His best statistical season came in 2022-23, where in 51 games, he scored seven goals and nine assists for 16 points.

Internationally, Matinpalo recently represented Team Finland at the 2025 Four Nations Faceoff, replacing Rasmus Ristolainen. During the 2022-23 campaign, the Espoo, Finland native represented Finland at the IIHF World Championship, where he tallied three points in eight games. Matinpalo is set to represent Finland once again at this years World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden, between May 9 and 25.