Otto Salin has blossomed in TPS

Down Defender of the ball club Otto Salin has been one of the big successes of the early season of the ice hockey SM league. He has hit four complete hits and a total of ten power points in 12 matches.

“As a defender, when you play at a rate of almost a point per game, you can be satisfied,” admits the 20-year-old Espoo Hockey Club graduate.

Salin, who even wore TPS’s golden helmet from the beginning of the season, has quickly risen to the elite of the league’s defenders. The young man’s name is still quite unknown to the general public, but his aggressive and attacking style of play has impressed the spectators.

“I’m a puck defender. Skating is my greatest strength, and it was honed in ice ball when I was younger.”

The injury-free summer training has provided a strong springboard. In the summer, Salin trained, for example, a former speed skater Markus Puolakan with.

Although the power points have come almost off the assembly line, the young man’s playing still has a lot to improve. Per match, Salin clocks up more than 18 minutes of playing time, and the power statistic of plus two goals is an indication that team play is highly valued.

“There is still room for improvement in defense and fighting. Coach Matti Tiilikainen with us, we pay a lot of attention to it.”

TPS:n head coach Tommi Miettinen gets incense from Salin. During Miettinen’s time, the young players have been given a lot of responsibility, and the players are encouraged to play to their strengths.

“He demands the same from every player and gives a lot of positive feedback. If you feel like it’s just a pain in the neck, your self-confidence quickly starts to drop,” Salin is perhaps referring to previous experiences.

Salin started last season at IFK Helsinki, but the contract was finally terminated by mutual consent in January. The young defender did not want to find a role in an experienced team.

“There is no bitterness towards the HIFK organization, but certain elements there were wrong for me.”

The first full season in the shirt of TPS has started excellently. The genuine joy of playing shines in the eyes of the outspoken young man.

“There are a lot of young guys here, and we have a good buzz in the booth. There’s a smile on my face all the time, and it’s good for me to be here.”

The TPS season has started in two parts. Injuries have inoculated Turku’s attack ability. TPS is in 12th place after 12 matches.

Last season, TPS lost to the future Finnish champion Tappara in the quarterfinals with match wins of 2–4. Game-wise, TPS was even there, so the disappointment left you hungry.

“You can go far in the playoffs. We are a persistent and skating-strong team.”

Translation reveals that hockey is close to the heart even outside the rink.

“Pleikkar must be played a lot with friends. NHL, Fifa, Fortnite and Call of Duty.”

TPS’s game friends also compete with Salin in virtual games. In an interview situation, a small receipt is sent to a teammate.

”Sisu-Petteri Lehtonen could improve his skills in the NHL game”, laughs Salin.

Salini’s contract with TPS extends to the end of the season. He has not yet made a decision on where he will play next season.

Salin is a summer 2022 fifth-round NHL pick of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have not signed a rookie contract yet. If the club wants to sign Salini, the contract must be concluded by the beginning of June next year.

“There has been talk of an agreement, but there is nothing concrete about it yet. I would really like to get there to play.”