Story Summary
Liiga begins its exceptional 17-team season on 1 September 2026. One club will be crowned champion and three will be relegated. The season preview includes more than 50 features, columns and interviews; Tappara lead the title forecasts, while Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away.
Key Facts
- Liiga’s 17-team season begins on 1 September 2026.
- One team will be crowned champion and three will be relegated at the end of the season.
- The season preview comprises more than 50 Liiga features, columns and interviews.
- Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.
- Jokerit return to Liiga after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.
- One preview assessment says Jokerit have prioritised their attack at the expense of other areas of the roster.
- Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.
- HIFK have undergone significant change, with their goaltending tandem viewed positively and questions remaining at centre.
- KooKoo retained a large part of last season’s core.
- JYP continue with the same coaching staff and core, while Harri Pesonen returns to Liiga after 14 years away.
- Pelicans strengthened their attack, though the fitness of key defencemen remains a concern.
- Lukko have replaced departing players to a degree, but questions remain over their defence and coaching record after last season’s play-off collapse.
IHM Discussion
The expanded league and three relegation places raise the stakes across the table. Tappara begin as the leading favourites on the strength of their continuity and roster quality. Jokerit’s return after three Mestis seasons adds a major storyline, although one preview assessment argues that their attack has been built at the expense of other areas.
Why It Matters
Three relegation places put greater pressure on clubs throughout the lower half of the table. Jokerit’s return brings a prominent Helsinki club back to Liiga, while Kärpät’s reported player budget underlines the differences in financial resources across the league without guaranteeing results on the ice.
Mini Q&A
When does Liiga’s 2026-27 season begin?
It begins on 1 September 2026.
How many teams are in Liiga this season?
Liiga has 17 teams.
How many teams will be relegated?
Three teams will be relegated.
Which club leads the title forecasts?
Tappara are the leading title favourites in the published forecasts.
Which major club returns to Liiga, and after how long away?
Jokerit return after nearly 12 years away, having spent the previous three seasons in Mestis.
What does the preview say about club finances?
Kärpät’s player budget is described as being in the region of €3.9 million.
Coach Mark Comment
With three relegation places, teams near the bottom will need reliable five-on-five structure and disciplined special teams from the opening weeks. For the contenders, continuity and a dependable goaltending tandem can be decisive over a long season.
IHM Final View
Liiga’s 17-team season promises a broader and more pressured race than usual. Tappara start as the leading favourites, while Jokerit’s return and three relegation places add further intrigue from the opening face-off.