With the start of the National Hockey League season just around the corner, the Vassa, Finland native is ready for the rigours of professional hockey.
Osala, 20, signed a three-year entry level contract with the NHL's Washington Capitals in June and played for the Espoo Blues in Finland last year. He scored 18 goals and 17 assists in 53 games and amassed 62 penalty minutes.
He was also named Finland's Rookie of the Year.
He finished second on the team in goals, fifth in assists and points and was tied for third in penalty minutes.
"(Coach) Bruce Boudreau really liked him in training camp last season and was very impressed," said Capitals general manager George McPhee. "(He) wanted to make sure we got him (Osala) signed, so he got his wish."
The six-foot-four, 217-pound left wing, who was the Capitals' fourth-round choice in 2006, played for the IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League from 2005 through 2007, collecting 87 points in 122 games.
At last year's IIHF World Junior Championships, Osala shared the tournament lead with four other players after scoring five goals.
onlinenews@mississauga.net
