Story Summary
Five Finnish players are in focus as the SHL season opens on Saturday. Otto Kivenmäki has signed a two-year deal with Timrå IK after scoring 134 points for SaiPa across the past two seasons, including playoffs. Max Westergård returned to Frölunda’s senior group in February after a loan to Björklöven and a strong U20 World Championship. Matias Mäntykivi left Ilves for a two-year contract with Växjö Lakers, while Anton Levtchi enters his third Swedish season with Luleå after overcoming heart-rate problems last December and scoring an overtime quarter-final goal against Frölunda HC in the playoffs. Robin Salo signed for Örebro HK on a two-year deal after recording 40 points for Malmö Redhawks and is expected to take on a major leadership role, including the captaincy.
Key Facts
- Five Finnish players are worth watching as the SHL starts on Saturday.
- Otto Kivenmäki signed a two-year contract with Timrå IK.
- Kivenmäki scored 134 points for SaiPa across the past two seasons, playoffs included.
- SHL is described as a notable step up in quality from Liiga, presenting a greater physical and skating challenge.
- Max Westergård is a Tappara youth product who has spent three junior seasons with Frölunda. He was loaned to Björklöven in HockeyAllsvenskan and returned to Frölunda’s senior group in February after strong U20 World Championship performances.
- Matias Mäntykivi played five seasons in Tampere and was among Ilves’ leading scorers before signing a two-year deal with Växjö Lakers.
- Växjö Lakers have Eemeli Suomi on their roster and the club will be aiming for a fifth Swedish championship.
- Anton Levtchi, 30, is entering his third season in Sweden with Luleå. He experienced unusual heart-rate problems in December last season but scored an overtime quarter-final goal against Frölunda HC in the SHL playoffs.
- Robin Salo was Malmö Redhawks’ third-most-productive skater last season with 40 points and ranked sixth among SHL defencemen; he signed a two-year contract with Örebro HK.
- Salo is from Espoo and a Vaasan Sport youth product. He previously played for Örebro between 2019 and 2021 before moving to North America.
- Örebro HK plans to give the 27-year-old Salo a significant leadership role for the coming season, including the captain’s armband. He has not previously held a captaincy role.
IHM Discussion
The five profiles combine forward creativity, leadership additions and a defenceman taking on a prominent role. Otto Kivenmäki’s move to Timrå IK is the clearest headline: 134 points over two seasons is a striking measure of form at Liiga level, and the move will test whether he can carry that production into the SHL. Max Westergård’s path has been more incremental, taking in junior success, a HockeyAllsvenskan loan and a return to Frölunda’s senior group. Matias Mäntykivi joins Växjö as a proven Ilves scorer alongside Eemeli Suomi. Anton Levtchi’s profile reflects both his health issues last December and the playoff goal that showed his finishing touch. Salo arrives at Örebro with prior experience of the club and is expected to shoulder substantial leadership responsibility.
Why It Matters
Kivenmäki will be tested against stronger skating and battling opponents, while Mäntykivi joins a Växjö side pursuing a fifth Swedish championship. Levtchi’s form matters to Luleå’s ambitions, and Salo’s leadership role adds another dimension to Örebro’s plans. Westergård, meanwhile, will be looking to establish himself in Frölunda’s regular line-up.
Mini Q&A
Who are the five Finnish players in focus?
Max Westergård, Otto Kivenmäki, Matias Mäntykivi, Anton Levtchi and Robin Salo.
Where did Otto Kivenmäki sign?
Kivenmäki signed a two-year contract with Timrå IK.
How many points did Kivenmäki score for SaiPa over the past two seasons?
He scored 134 points across the past two seasons, including playoffs.
What role is Robin Salo expected to take at Örebro HK?
Örebro plans to give Salo a major leadership role, including the captain’s armband. He has not previously held a captaincy role.
Which player joined Växjö Lakers and what is the club aiming for?
Matias Mäntykivi signed a two-year deal with Växjö Lakers, who are targeting a fifth Swedish championship.
Coach Mark Comment
Kivenmäki’s transition will be measured by how quickly he adjusts to the SHL’s pace and physical battles. For Salo, a leadership role will place added value on clear communication and consistency on the ice.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is the SHL season opener on Saturday, when these signings and role changes will begin to be tested in competitive play.
IHM Final View
These five players offer different reasons to follow the SHL season: Kivenmäki’s scoring test at Timrå, Westergård’s push for a regular Frölunda place, Mäntykivi’s move to Växjö, Levtchi’s importance to Luleå and Salo’s leadership opportunity at Örebro.