The 29-year-old winger, who can play on either flank, spent the past two seasons playing against the Stars as he iced for Nottingham Panthers and during his time at the Motorpoint Arena, he played in 119 matches, contributing 88 points (42G, 46A).
Nieminen’s time in Nottingham culminated in him lifting the Elite League Playoff Trophy after 4-3 double overtime victory against Cardiff Devils in the Playoff Final.
Born in Somero, the Finnish youth internationalist had played his entire career in his homeland up until the 2021-2022 season when he joined Slovakian side, HK Spisska Nova Ves and then Danish outfit, Odense Bulldogs the following year – where he led the league in scoring with 25 goals.
The left-handed forward, who stands at 5-foot and 9-inches tall, has also played 22 games in the Champions Hockey League with Finnish clubs TPS and Pelicans.
Otto brings with him over 200 games of experience in Finland’s topflight, Liiga and he has also represented his country on 44 occasions at Under 16’s, 17’s and 20’s level, scoring 30 points.
LEFEBVRE ON NIEMINEN
After convincing Otto to move north of the border and join his roster, Stars Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach, Marc LeFebvre, said: “Otto is a dynamic offensive player that brings skill, experience and a championship pedigree to our lineup.
“He knows the league well and will fit in from the get go.
“We wanted to add more offense and Otto certainly brings that with his skill set and speed.”
NIEMINEN ON BECOMING A STAR
Once the deal was finalised, a delighted Otto said: “I am excited to be coming to 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.
“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 your side.”
He continued: “Marc spoke about the chance to have a big role on this team and again, I did not feel that last season was great for me and I was annoyed about how it went, after having a couple of really good seasons before.
“So, it is on me now to fill those boots and it really motivates me to have this chance to get back to my best again and to help the team achieve our goals.”
The last competitive game Otto played was the 2025 Elite League Playoff Final and reflecting on the match where he lifted the cup back in April, he said: “That was an amazing feeling and it felt special to do it in Nottingham, which is a great club with amazing fans.
“It was also the first time in my professional career that my team has won a championship, so that made it even more special and it was an awesome feeling to lift that cup for the first time.”
In his 16-year-career so far, Otto has featured in 743 matches, recorded 278 goals, 234 assists and collected 222 penalty minutes, while also playing in 70 playoff games, where he tallied 28 points (16G. 12A) and 10 penalty minutes.
Otto is our 23rd signing of the summer and joins Drydn Dow, Jonathan McBean, Jarrett Fiske, Jackson Desouza, Craig Moore, Craig Garrigan, Keanu Yamamoto, Dominick Jaglar, Kris Inglis, Griffin Luce, Morten Jürgens, Matt Berry, Spencer Naas, Justin Bean, Ben Almquist, Brad Schoonbaert, Matt Boudens, Kameron Kielly, Emil Kruse, Rio Page and Jaydn Baxter on next season’s roster.
To see Otto’s career stats on Elite Prospects click HERE.
