Story Summary
Tappara are reportedly pursuing Kiekko-Espoo forward Jere Väisänen, with negotiations said to be well advanced over a move that would primarily concern future seasons.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Liiga’s standout breakthrough players this season. Väisänen has recorded nine goals and nine assists in 18 games, leading Kiekko-Espoo’s internal scoring race.
Esko Seppänen reported that Väisänen is a significant part of Tappara sporting director Janne Vuorinen’s plans for building the squad in coming seasons. A switch during the current campaign is not necessarily expected.
Key Facts
- Tappara are reportedly well advanced in negotiations with Kiekko-Espoo forward Jere Väisänen.
- Väisänen has posted nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in 18 Liiga games this season.
- The 26-year-old leads Kiekko-Espoo’s internal points standings.
- Väisänen recorded 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 60 regular-season games last season.
- Any Tappara move would chiefly concern future seasons rather than necessarily an in-season transfer.
- Janne Vuorinen reportedly sees Väisänen as an important part of Tappara’s squad-building plans for coming seasons.
IHM Discussion
Väisänen’s rise has given this reported pursuit real weight. His 18 points already represent a substantial jump on the 25 points he collected across 60 regular-season appearances last term, when he was a Blues youth product.
For Tappara, the appeal is clear in the reported long-term framing: this is not presented simply as a response to an immediate opening, but as a possible addition to a future squad plan. For Kiekko-Espoo, the situation centres on a forward who is currently their leading scorer and whose value has been heightened by his early-season production.
No completed transfer has been announced. The current indication is that discussions are advanced, while the timing of any potential change remains tied mainly to later seasons.
Why It Matters
Väisänen is not only scoring at an improved rate; he is doing so while leading Kiekko-Espoo in points.
That combination makes the reported interest notable for both clubs. Tappara’s interest concerns their future roster construction, while Kiekko-Espoo’s leading scorer remains with the club during the current season unless circumstances change.