Wild signs 2018 draft pick to entry-level contract

Thursday, the Minnesota Wild announced the addition of a new defenseman prospect.

The team signed Stockholm, Sweden-native Simon Johansson to a two-year, entry-level contract starting next season.

The 22-year-old tallied 32 points (8-24=32) in 58 games with Ilves Tampere in Finland’s Elite League, his first season in that league. He also became the youngest defenseman in Ilves history to score 32 points in a season. He also recorded six points (1-5=6) in 10 playoff games.

Before joining Ilves, Johansson spent four seasons in Sweden, playing in 79 games with Djurgardens IF in Sweden’s Elite League.

Minnesota selected Johansson 148th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.