The Flint Firebirds acquired defenceman Nicolas Mattinen form the London Knights in exchange for three picks Tuesday.
“This is a significant step forward for our hockey club,” said Flint Firebirds General Manager Barclay Branch. “Nicolas brings a wealth of experience to Flint and is a defenceman that has a real presence, both on-the-ice and in the dressing room, and will be a good leader for our young players. He is a type of player that is conscious defensively and has an offensive side to him as well.”
Mattinen was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ sixth-round pick (179th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft and has recorded six goals and 12 assists through two seasons with the Knights in the OHL.
In return for the 19-year-old, London will receive a third-round pick in 2018, a second-round pick in 2019 and the Niagara IceDogs’ second-round pick in 2020. If Mattinen plays in his over-age year next season the Knights will also receive a third-round pick in 2019.
[relatedlinks]