Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Rockford IceHogs forward and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Aku Raty has signed a two-year deal in Finland with Karpat, it was announced Tuesday.
Acquired in March from the Utah Mammoth, Raty appeared in 15 regular season games with the Rockford IceHogs following his acquisition, putting up two goals and four assists for six points. Across a total of 65 regular season games with the IceHogs and the Tucson Roadrunners, Raty collected six goals and 19 assists for 25 points. He also appeared in two playoff games for Rockford, scoring a goal.
Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the fifth round if the 2019 NHL Draft, Raty came over to North America in 2023, following parts of four seasons in Liiga with Karpat and Ilves. During his two seasons stateside, Raty appeared in one NHL game with the Coyotes, collecting an assist.
With Raty being a restricted free agent, the Blackhawks have the ability to retain his rights if he gets a qualifying offer from the team. Having put up an impressive 42 points in 53 regular season games in his final season in Finland, Raty should be an immediate difference maker for Karpat once he steps foot onto the ice again.