Litter Box Cats · Aug 26, 2018
Florida Panthers Top 25 Under 25: #15 Henrik Haapala
Position: Forward
Age: 24
Team: Tappara
Signed in 2017
The Florida Panthers took a chance on Henrik Haapala before the 2017-2018 season, signing the Finnish forward to a contract after Haapala led all La Liiga skaters in scoring. Known as a playmaker, the diminutive Haapala tallied 15 goals and 45 assists for a total of 60 points in 51 games.
Using the latest league conversion rates, 60 points in 51 La Liiga games translates to 45 points in a full 82 game season. That would make Haapala a middle six forward, so the Panthers rolled the dice and signed him to a cheap contract.