Hurricanes recall Aleksi Saarela from Charlotte

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

From Staff Reports

editor@trianglesportsnet.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday that the team had recalled forward Aleksi Saarela from its American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

In addition, the Hurricanes placed forward Marcus Kruger on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

The 20-year-old Saarela currently ranks third among Checkers skaters with 13 goals this season, and has totaled 19 points in 31 games played.

Originally selected by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Saarela was acquired by the Hurricanes on Feb. 27, 2016, along with second-round picks in the 2016 and 2017 drafts in exchange for former captain Eric Staal.

Prior to beginning his North American professional career last season, Saarela played parts of four seasons in the top Finnish league, Liiga, totaling 77 points (42g, 35a) in 166 games with Assat Pori and Lukko Rauma.

The Helsinki native has represented Finland in a number of international tournaments, winning gold along with Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho at the 2016 World Junior Championship.

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