Story Summary
Jokerit are reportedly considering sales involving Maxime Fortier, Matt Caito, Valtteri Pulli and centre Henri Nikkanen should the team’s poor form continue after the EHT break. Esko Seppänen said Fortier, Caito and Pulli are being actively offered, while Jokerit are also willing to take calls on Nikkanen.
The reported planning is not limited to potential departures. Seppänen said Jokerit have shown interest in JYP forward Valtteri Ojantakanen, the reigning Liiga goal-scoring champion, for next season if Jokerit remain in the A-series.
Key Facts
- Esko Seppänen said Jokerit are preparing for player trades if their poor form continues after the EHT break.
- Maxime Fortier, Matt Caito and Valtteri Pulli were named as players Jokerit are reportedly offering to other clubs.
- Jokerit are also reportedly accepting enquiries about centre Henri Nikkanen, with an SHL club from the lower end of the table said to have shown interest.
- Jokerit have reportedly expressed interest in JYP’s Valtteri Ojantakanen for next season, conditional on remaining in the A-series.
- Ojantakanen is the reigning Liiga goal-scoring champion and is currently on a 38-goal pace.
- Seppänen said Kärpät are also interested in Ojantakanen and that the player is open to a move to Jokerit.
IHM Discussion
The report points to a potentially significant reset at Jokerit if results do not turn after the EHT break. Fortier, Caito and Pulli have been specifically identified as available, while Nikkanen’s situation appears less advanced: Jokerit are said to be listening rather than having completed a move.
Ojantakanen is presented as a separate, longer-term possibility. The JYP forward is attracting attention from both Jokerit and Kärpät, but Seppänen also suggested that sustained form could place him in contention for a move to one of Europe’s major leagues. Any Jokerit approach would depend on the club retaining its place in the A-series.
Why It Matters
A willingness to move several established players would give Jokerit scope to alter the make-up of their squad, but it would also make the period after the EHT break important for the club’s immediate direction. The Ojantakanen link indicates that Jokerit are reportedly considering next season alongside any in-season sales, although no agreement or completed transfer has been reported.
Mini Q&A
Which Jokerit players have reportedly been put on the market?
Maxime Fortier, Matt Caito and Valtteri Pulli were named as players being offered, while Jokerit are also reportedly willing to discuss centre Henri Nikkanen.
Who is Jokerit reportedly interested in signing?
Jokerit have reportedly shown interest in JYP forward Valtteri Ojantakanen, the reigning Liiga goal-scoring champion who is currently on a 38-goal pace.
What Comes Next
Jokerit’s form after the EHT break is the stated checkpoint for whether the reported sales plans progress. The club’s A-series status will also affect whether a possible move for Ojantakanen can develop for next season.