Former Swift Current Broncos defenseman Kasper Puutio was selected in the 2020 National Hockey League Draft on Wednesday.
Puutio, 18, was taken 153rd overall by the Florida Panthers on day two of the draft, which was held virtually.
The Vaasa, Finland native was the first overall selection by the Broncos in the 2019 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. He appeared in 35 games with the Broncos last season and registered one goal and 15 assists.
Puutio was traded to the Everett Silvertips on January 10 along with team captain Ethan Regnier. In return the Broncos received import forward Martin Fasko-Rudas, defenseman Parker Hendren, a 2022 second-round pick, and a 2020 first-round pick, which they used to select forward Brady Birnie 21st overall.
Puutio made an impact with the Silvertips as he finished with four goals, eight assists, and a plus-13 rating in 21 games before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
With the WHL season currently on hold, Puutio has already suited up for two games with Kärpät U20 in the U20 SM-sarja in Finland.
