Latvian prospect's move toward NHL brings payout to former Finnish clubs
The entry-level contract signed by New York Rangers draft pick, a Latvian forward, with the NHL club has triggered compensation payments to his former Finnish teams. The combined payout to both clubs exceeds 350,000 euros.
A Latvian hockey player who was selected fifth overall in this year's NHL draft by the New York Rangers, becoming the highest-drafted Latvian player in history, is set to continue his career in North America. He later signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers and is expected to play either in the NHL or, if he fails to make the main roster, in the AHL.
Finnish clubs compensated
Under standing arrangements between the NHL and national hockey federations, clubs that develop players who are later drafted into the NHL and sign professional contracts receive financial compensation. This case qualifies as well, since the player spent four seasons in Finland, representing Mikkeli's Jukurit as well as the club Karhu-Kissat.
According to the applicable formula, Jukurit received 197,500 euros in compensation for developing the player, while Karhu-Kissat received 157,500 euros.
Finnish clubs' overall earnings
Over the past three years, Finnish hockey clubs have collectively received 9.4 million dollars in NHL compensation payments, though the annual total has been gradually declining.
Last season, the 18-year-old player appeared in 38 games in Finland's top league, scoring six goals and adding seven assists. At the end of the season he was loaned to German top-flight (DEL) club EHC Red Bull München.
