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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Stars Sign Finnish Forward Joel Kiviranta

It may not be July 1st yet, but that’s not going to stop the Dallas Stars from improving their organizational depth — the Stars signed Joel Kiviranta to a two-year ELC yesterday.

Fresh off of a gold medal with Finland at the World Championship, is expected to bring a strong two-way game to the Texas Stars. It’s unlikely he makes the NHL squad, but if he adjusts to hockey in North America quickly, he could rise up the depth chart and become a top call-up option.

Here is the official press release:

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Kiviranta, 23, spent the 2018-19 season with Vaasan Sport of Liiga, where he tallied 31 points (16-15=31) in 48 games. His 16 goals were third on the team and he finished tied for second on the club with a +12 plus/minus rating. In five seasons with the team, he appeared in 260 games, posting 114 points (60-54=114).

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound native of Vantaa, Finland helped his country earn a gold medal at the 2019 World Championship in Slovakia skating in nine games and recording three points (2-1=3). He scored the game-winning goal against France in the preliminary round.


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