24-year-old Panthers forward leaves the NHL, signs deal in Europe

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Cooper Godin
July 21, 2023 (1:07 PM)

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After parts of three seasons in the Florida Panthers organization, failing to stick with the big club full-time, forward Aleksi Heponiemi has signed a contract in Europe.

While the term is unclear at this time, Heponiemi has agreed to terms on deal with EHC Biel, who play in the top division in Switzerland, National League.

Note: the following quote was translated from German.

"Aleksi Heponiemi is a wonderful, elegant playmaker with a highly developed hockey scythe and good vision of the game. His general "skill level" is well above average and his speed and mobility are remarkable. He has not yet reached the peak of his ability and physically he has not yet been stable enough to be able to stir up the NHL. At least theoretically he fits in perfectly with our league, I'm really looking forward to Aleksi Heponiemi." EHC Biel scout Thomas Roost said.

Heponiemi, a native of Tampere, Finland, spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League where he recorded 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists), 12 penalty minutes and was a plus-three in 62 games. He followed that up by tallying seven points in seven Calder Cup Playoff games.

The 24-year-old appeared in a total of 25 games in the National Hockey League over the last three season, putting up six points (two goals, four assists).

Source: EHC Biel