Story Summary
HIFK are looking to add a centre to their forward group after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.
Sporting director Janne Laukkanen said the club have yet to identify a player they consider sufficiently attractive for the role, but stressed that the search remains active. He added that the later starts to other leagues are influencing the current player market.
HIFK are also considering whether to recruit a goaltender to cover for the injured Tim Juel. That decision will depend on greater clarity over Juel’s return timetable.
Hugo Alnefelt earned HIFK a point in the local derby against Jokerit, although Jokerit won 3-2 in overtime. HIFK have three wins and seven defeats from their first 10 games of the season.
Key Facts
- Janne Laukkanen confirmed that HIFK are seeking a centre after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.
- Laukkanen said HIFK have not yet found a player they rate highly enough for the position, but the search is continuing.
- He said the later start to other leagues is affecting the player market.
- HIFK are weighing a goaltending addition while Tim Juel is injured; the decision depends on his return timetable.
- Jokerit beat HIFK 3-2 in overtime, despite Hugo Alnefelt earning HIFK a point.
- HIFK have recorded three wins and seven defeats in their opening 10 games.
IHM Discussion
The centre search is explicitly role-specific rather than a general call for forward depth. Laukkanen’s comments make clear that HIFK are prepared to wait instead of adding a player who does not meet their requirements.
The timing is a factor. With other leagues beginning later, clubs elsewhere are only starting to make their own changes, leaving the available market in motion. HIFK’s approach is therefore one of continued monitoring rather than a completed recruitment move.
The goaltending situation remains separate from the centre search. HIFK have not made a decision on a replacement for Juel, with his recovery timetable set to determine whether an addition is required.
Why It Matters
However, no incoming player has been identified and no goaltending move has been confirmed.
For now, the clearest development is that HIFK remain active in the market while awaiting further information on Juel’s availability.
Mini Q&A
Why are HIFK looking for a centre?
HIFK are seeking a centre after Jori Lehterä’s unexpected career ending.
Have HIFK signed a replacement?
No. Janne Laukkanen said the club have not yet found a player they consider suitable, but the search continues.
What is the situation with Tim Juel?
HIFK are considering a goaltending addition while Juel is injured, but their decision depends on his return timetable.
What Comes Next
The next checkpoints are whether HIFK find a centre who fits the role they are seeking and whether Tim Juel’s return timetable becomes clear enough to determine the need for a goaltending signing.