Per Eurohockey.net, winger Oskar Osala has signed with the Espoo Blues of the Finnish Elite League.Osala, who impressed at the Caps' development camp earlier this month, had been thought to be headed to Hershey in the Fall, and still might for all we know - these contracts often have out-clauses. Regardless of where he plays this season, hopes are high for the 6'4" forward, and if his development continues to progress the way it has over the past year, we'll all get to see him again on this side of the pond sooner rather than later.
5 comments:
The Caps have 49 players under contract for next season. I believe the league limit is 50. Maybe (hopefully) the Caps and Osala decided Finland was a good place to get some professional experience and still allow the Caps some flexibility with their one remaining contract.
The contract Caps offered to Osala wasn't good enough. He also wants to finish his high school studies and serve his military service, so IMO it's best for the Caps and for Osala to play one year in Finland before moving to NA.
Thanks, tomppav.
If I'm not mistaken, 6 months is the Finnish mandatory military commitment, no?
Yes, you're right about the mandatory length. I'm not sure how long a military commitment pro athletes have. I think they serve a little longer because they are so many days off the service during the hockey season.
Players from Blues Espoo only have 6 months military service in Dragsvik. For Osala's development is Blues perhaps even better alternative than Bears?
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