Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Lehigh Valley Phantoms goaltender Eetu Makiniemi has signed a one-year deal in Finland with TPS, it was announced late last week.
Makiniemi, a 2017 fourth-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, spent this season with the Phantoms, going 3-0-2 while posting a 3.03 GAA and a .899 SP. Since coming over to North America in 2021, Makiniemi has appeared in 59 career AHL games (with the Phantoms, Chicago Wolves and San Jose Barracuda), posting a record of 30-20-6 along with a 2.79 GAA and a .905 SP.
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Throughout his time in North America, Makiniemi got into two regular season games with the San Jose Sharks, going 1-0-1 while collecting a 2.13 GAA and a .906 SP.
With Makiniemi heading back to his home country, he should have the chance to play a big role with TPS. Having posted solid numbers in Liiga in the past, Makiniemi could be one of the better goalies in the league and guide his team to the playoffs.