After being drafted with the 46th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Samu Tuomaala is officially a part of the Flyers organization. The team signed him to his three-year, entry level deal on Saturday afternoon. He is the first member of the 2021 Draft Class to sign a contract.
Tuomaala has spent his entire career in Finland and has mostly been a part of Kärpät’s various teams, including their U16, U17, U18 and now U20 team. Most recently, he played 30 games for Kärpät’s U20 team and posted 15 goals and 16 assists. Those 31 points had him ranked fourth on the team.
He also appeared in five games for the squad’s Finnish Elite League team. He went pointless in those five games. Tuomaala has also appeared in the international stage multiple times, a place where he excels. He was named to the U18 WJC All-Star Team. He posted five goals and 11 total points in seven games for Finland.
Through the Flyers international scout Sami Sandell, Tuomaala previously spoke on his ability to find his game on the international level. When the game is on the line or there is a tough situation ahead, that is when he feels like he thrives the most.
The Flyers jumped on Tuomaala when they were given the opportunity to draft him in the second round. There was an expectation that he could potentially a late first rounder. But there is a lot of upside and excitement surrounding his abilities, according to the Flyers Director of European Scouting, Joakim Grundberg.
"“Obviously very excited getting him. He was rated as a first round talent. We were able to get him in the middle of the second round, so we’re really excited about that. To us, he has elite speed and high skill. Very good shot. High-offensive upside. There’s things he’s got to work on like his overall game and obviously getting stronger. We’re really excited. We see a lot of upside there.”"
For now, Tuomaala will be heading back to Finland for another season with Kärpät. After making the jump to their top league last season, he should find himself back on that roster this upcoming year.