A Checker for the Lions - Santtu Kinnunen joins Zurich

The ZSC Lions have announced the signing of Santtu Kinnunen. Last with the Charlotte Checkers - the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers -, the Finnish defenseman joins on a one-year deal.

"Santtu is a versatile defenseman who likes to move the puck, is a strong skater and has a good shot", team manager Sven Leuenberger notes. "He can also be used on the power play. I see a lot of potential in him and with hopefully many more games in the Champions Hockey League in addition to the championship, this transfer will help us."

Kinnunen, 25, started his hockey life with the Lahden Pelicans, making his way through their junior department and eventually suiting up for their Liiga-team during the 2018-19 season. Two years later, he joined Tappara Tampere, and another two years later, the defender headed overseas to join the Panthers.