With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Otto Salin!
Otto Salin
Birthdate: March 7, 2004
Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 5’11
Weight: 192 lbs
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Draft: 5th round, 148th overall, 2022 NHL Entry Draft
2024-25 season
Otto Salin experienced a significant increase in point production, going from 12 points in 44 games in 2023-24 to 28 points in 56 games in 2024-25. Salin’s uptick in point production was a pleasant surprise for the former fifth-round pick, who hadn’t surpassed the 15-point landmark during his time in Liiga. In his final season in Liiga (with TPS), Salin’s half-point-per-game production was the highest of his career in that league.
🚨 Otto Salin iskee @HCTPS:n johtoon Artukaisissa!
Ja on kyllä hunajainen syöttö Topias Haapaselta. 😮💨🍯
📺 @MTVUrheilu | #Liiga #HCTPS pic.twitter.com/2kOshiUa33
— Liiga (@smliiga) September 14, 2024
🚨 Turussa avauserä mentiin hunajaisissa merkeissä. 👀🍯
📺 @MTVUrheilu | #Liiga #HCTPS pic.twitter.com/Sorqu6yzuS
— Liiga (@smliiga) October 30, 2024
Salin tallied 21 of his 28 points at 5v5 and six more (all primary) on the power play. He added four points in the first two playoff games, but was held off the scoresheet in the next three games as TPS was eliminated in the preliminary round.
🚨 Otto Salin täräyttää playoffs-kevään 2025 ensimmäisen! 💥
📺 @MTVUrheilu | #Liiga #HCTPS pic.twitter.com/ofT5o20cq7
— Liiga (@smliiga) March 18, 2025
Salinin toinen vie TPS:n 1-2 johtoon! Kohti kolmatta.#HCTPS #Turku #Liiga pic.twitter.com/pxw3FkUzxI
— HC TPS (@HCTPS) March 18, 2025
After his season with TPS concluded, Salin signed his three-year entry-level contract with the LA Kings. In addition to his entry-level contract, he also signed a PTO, allowing him to play in the AHL with Ontario. Salin played in three regular-season games, tallying one assist for his first point in North America, and one playoff game.
OTTO 🗣️
We’ve signed D Otto Salin to a three-year entry-level contract!
Read More 📲 https://t.co/vhBgxmKmKb@Enterprise | #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/EHq52r6IbN
— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 31, 2025
Welcome to the AHL, Otto!#ReignTrain pic.twitter.com/SMK0WZNUrj
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) April 13, 2025
First AHL points for Jared Wright & Otto Salin!! 👏👏🤩 Keep ‘em coming!! #ReignTrain pic.twitter.com/u1rn7hjyId
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) April 17, 2025
2025-26 outlook
Salin will be playing in his first full professional season in North America. There will be adjustments to be made for Salin, with one of them having to adjust to the smaller ice rink compared to the wider ones in Europe. For those who don’t know much about Salin’s game, he loves to jump into the rush when he sees the opportunity and isn’t afraid to lead the play by carrying the puck in the neutral zone. His shot from the blue line could be a factor in him seeing time on one of the power play units as well.
Featured image credit: Mike Zitek/Ontario Reign
Continue Reading