Story Summary
Tappara have strengthened their defence by signing experienced defenceman Tommi Kivistö to a two-month contract that includes an option to continue. Kivistö had been without a club at the start of the season before moving to Tampere.
Esko Seppänen said Kivistö had also been in discussions with Jokerit for several weeks before the defenceman joined Tappara. Those talks were reportedly under way while Tomek Valtonen was Jokerit head coach, but Seppänen said he did not know why they did not result in a contract.
Kivistö already knows Jokerit from previous spells representing the Helsinki club in both the SM-liiga and KHL.
Key Facts
- Tappara have signed experienced defenceman Tommi Kivistö to a two-month contract with an option to continue.
- Tommi Kivistö was without a club at the start of the season before joining Tappara.
- Esko Seppänen said Jokerit had held discussions with Tommi Kivistö for several weeks before he signed for Tappara.
- The reported discussions took place while Tomek Valtonen was Jokerit head coach.
- Esko Seppänen said he had no confirmed information on why Jokerit and Tommi Kivistö did not reach an agreement.
- Tommi Kivistö previously represented Jokerit in the SM-liiga and KHL.
IHM Discussion
The move gives Tappara an experienced defenceman on a short initial agreement, while the continuation option leaves room for the arrangement to extend. The Jokerit element remains a reported near-miss rather than a completed deal: discussions were held, according to Seppänen, but the reason they ended without a contract is not known.
That distinction matters. Kivistö’s eventual destination is confirmed by his Tappara contract, whereas the details of the Jokerit negotiations and their outcome should not be pushed beyond what has been reported.
Why It Matters
Kivistö’s signing is a notable addition for Tappara because it brings an experienced defenceman into the club after he began the season unattached. The short-term structure also creates a clear opportunity for both sides to assess the fit before any possible continuation.
For Jokerit, the reported talks underline that Kivistö was a player the club had considered. However, without confirmed detail on why those discussions did not produce a contract, the central fact is simply that Tappara secured the player instead.
Mini Q&A
How long is Tommi Kivistö’s contract with Tappara?
Tommi Kivistö has signed for two months, with an option to continue.
Did Jokerit sign Tommi Kivistö?
No. Esko Seppänen said Jokerit had held discussions with Kivistö, but no agreement was reached and he joined Tappara.
Why did talks between Jokerit and Kivistö end?
The reason has not been confirmed. Seppänen said he did not know why the discussions did not lead to a contract.