The Florida Panthers have signed Finnish defenseman Santtu Kinnunen to a two-year, entry level contract the team announced.

“Santtu is a talented defenseman who has proven himself playing professionally in Finland with Tappara Tampere,” said team GM Bill Zito. “We look forward to watching him further his growth and development as he transitions to hockey in North America.”

The 23-year-old was originally drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2018 draft.

He last skated with Tappara Tampere in 2021-2022 where he led all Tappara defensemen with 23 points helping lead the team to its 18th league championship.

The Panthers return to the ice Tuesday when they host the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports 640