The Dundee Stars have added championship-winning firepower to their roster.
Otto Nieminen will skate for Marc Lefebvre’s side in 2025-26, with the Finnish forward signing a one-year contract on Monday [25 August].
The 29-year-old arrives in Dundee fresh from winning the Elite League Playoffs with the Nottingham Panthers, for whom he recorded 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists) in 119 appearances.
Before his two-season stint at the Motorpoint Arena, Nieminen featured in three European top-flight competitions: Finland’s Liiga, Denmark’s Metal Ligaen, and Slovakia’s Extraliga.
Who is Dundee Stars forward Otto Nieminen?
Nieminen spent five seasons in TPS Turku’s development programme, before making his senior debut for the 10-time champions of Finland in 2014-15.
The Somero-born winger recorded 51 points (29 goals, 22 assists) in 212 Liiga appearances for TPS and Pelicans, paving the way for a move to Slovakia.
Nieminen notched 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 36 appearances for the Extraliga’s Spisska Nova Ves, with his form securing a one-year contract with the Odense Bulldogs.
He scored 46 points (25 goals, 21 assists) in 48 Metal Ligaen games and signed with the Panthers for the following season.
Nieminen won his first senior title in 2024-25, helping Nottingham claim the Elite League’s postseason crown.
Why have the Dundee Stars signed Otto Nieminen?
Nieminen joins Dundee after a down year — at least by the Finn’s high standards.
In his first season with the Panthers, he notched 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in a complete, 54-game season.
But he fell back to 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 44 appearances last term, with his ice time slashed and offensive spark lacking.
The Stars are banking on Nieminen returning to his free-scoring best.
He is, after all, the Metal Ligaen’s leading marksman from 2022-23.
Otto Nieminen, Dundee Stars (Image: Panthers Images)
“Otto is a dynamic offensive player that brings skill, experience and a championship pedigree to our line-up,” said Stars head coach Marc Lefebvre.
“He knows the league well and will fit in from the get go: we wanted to add more offence and Otto certainly brings that with his skill set and speed.”
With that said, Nieminen projects as a second-line option for Dundee, behind Spencer Naas on the left-wing depth chart.
Likely to slot into Lefebvre’s powerplay plans, the 5-foot-9 winger pairs a quick release with smooth skating and savvy offensive instincts.
He also has a point to prove. And he knows it.
‘It was always tough to play in Dundee’
“I want to bring my best game and try to help the team go as far as possible this season, so I will give it my all to help us go as far as we can,” he explained.
“I also want to return to my previous form as last season was not the best year I have ever had, so I am motivated to get back to my best, produce for the team and ultimately help us win.
“The past two seasons I have been on the opposing side and it was always tough to play in Dundee but now it is going to be a bit easier with the crowd on the home side.”
Nieminen is a low-risk signing for the Stars, who will announce further additions in the coming days.