EXCLUSIVE: Santeri Hatakka Wants Full-Time NHL Role With Devils (+)

When the New Jersey Devils acquired Santeri Hatakka as part of the Timo Meier trade, many considered the Finnish defenseman as just a throw in to even out the NHL’s contract limit with multiple players going each way. That’s because it’s a rarity that a sixth-round pick pans out and develops into an NHL player. Yet, Hatakka — the 23-year-old defenseman who was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2019 — has continually worked his way up through the professional hockey ranks. Now, the defenseman has his sights set on a full-time NHL role in the 2024-25 season with the Devils.

The Devils inked Hatakka to a one-year, two-way deal in late July. He was at his home in Finland when the offer came through via email, explaining he was just excited to just put pen to paper.

Despite receiving a two-way deal, Hatakka explained he believes himself ready for a full-time NHL role.