Story Summary
Jori Lehterä has left HIFK, prompting speculation over his next Liiga club. Ässät and HPK are among the teams discussed, while Jokerit, Tappara and Kärpät are also raised as possible destinations. Lauri Mattila suggested Lehterä could fit between Maxime Fortier and Patrick Curry at Jokerit, while Tappara could use him as a face-off and power-play option.
Key Facts
- Analyst Lauri Mattila lists Jokerit – Lehterä’s kasvattajaseura (youth club) – and Tappara as additional possible destinations.
- Mattila suggests Lehterä could play between Maxime Fortier and Patrick Curry.
- Antti Wennström proposes Kärpät as a club with a suitable role and predicts interest from Tappara or Jokerit; he also highlights HPK as a nearer, smaller-club option offering responsibility.
- Wennström names Jarno Kultanen’s Ässät as having a genuine need for centres because of injuries.
- Mattila says Tappara have a gap down the middle following Oiva Keskinen’s departure and suggests Lehterä could help as a face-off and power-play player.
IHM Discussion
Lehterä’s exit from HIFK has quickly opened a range of Liiga possibilities. The suggested destinations point to different uses for an experienced centre: Jokerit could pair him with Maxime Fortier and Patrick Curry, while Tappara could use his face-off and power-play qualities. HPK and Ässät are also discussed as clubs with potential need down the middle, though no move has been confirmed.
Why It Matters
Any move would affect a club’s centre depth and special-teams options. The discussion also reflects how injuries and roster needs can shape Liiga recruitment during the season, particularly for teams seeking help at centre.
Fan Pulse
Lehterä’s departure has generated discussion because several clubs can be imagined as possible fits. Jokerit offers a link to his youth club, while Tappara, Kärpät, HPK and Ässät are discussed in terms of roster needs and potential roles.
Mini Q&A
Who has left HIFK?
Jori Lehterä has left HIFK, as stated.
What role do analysts suggest Lehterä could play?
Analysts suggest Lehterä could play as an experienced starting centre and power-play specialist, specifically slotting between Maxime Fortier and Patrick Curry in one scenario.
Is Jokerit connected to Lehterä in the article?
Yes. Reportedly, Jokerit is Lehterä’s kasvattajaseura, meaning his youth club, and suggests a return there could be beneficial.
Coach Mark Comment
An experienced centre can offer value on draws and the power play, but the fit depends on deployment. A club must be clear whether it needs Lehterä to drive offence in a scoring role or to provide controlled, specialist minutes.
What Comes Next
The next development is whether any of the clubs discussed make a move for Lehterä. Until then, the destination talk remains speculation.
IHM Final View
Lehterä’s departure from HIFK has created a credible Liiga talking point, with Ässät and HPK prominent in the discussion and Jokerit, Tappara and Kärpät also mentioned. The possible fits vary, from a power-play and face-off role to greater responsibility at centre. No destination has been confirmed.