Sharks Sign Defenseman Valtteri Pulli to Two-Year, Entry-Level Contract

San Jose Sharks (

) General Manager Mike Grier announced today that the club has signed defenseman Valtteri Pulli to a two-year, entry-level contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Valtteri is a solid defenseman with size," said Grier. "He plays important minutes for good programs in TPS and the Finnish National Team camps."

Pulli, 22, appeared in 53 regular season games for TPS of Liiga (Finland) this season, recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) and 12 penalty minutes. Pulli set career highs in goals, assists and points, finished third among club defensemen in assists and points, and his plus-four rating was tied for the third highest on the team. His ice time increased from an average of 16:12 through the first 10 games of the season to 19:17 in the final 10 games. Pulli recorded one goal in three playoff games and appeared in six Champions Hockey League games.

The Finn has registered 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) and 20 penalty minutes in 82 career regular season Liiga games, all for TPS. Prior to appearing at Finland's highest level, he spent time playing for TPS' U18 and U20 teams.

The six-foot-six, 209-pound defenseman is a native of Turku, Finland.