The Nashville Predators announced that they have signed Kristian Nakyva to a one-year, entry-level contract.
Nakyva is a 24-year-old defenseman that recorded 10 goals and 29 points in 55 games with the Swedish League’s Lulea HF in 2014-15. That was good enough to put him in a tie for fifth in points among blueliners. He was also in a four-way tie for first place in defensemen goal scoring.
The Finnish-born player was never drafted by an NHL squad and spent the previous three years playing for the Finnish league’s JYP.
This isn’t the first time the Predators have turned to the Swedish League to add to their defensive depth. They also signed Johan Alm last year under similar circumstances and the 23-year-old went on to record 11 assists in 44 games with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals this season.