Tag: IHM News

Jokerit lose Teemu Turunen for an estimated 6-8 weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jokerit have confirmed a significant absence from their early-season squad: 30-year-old winger Teemu Turunen is expected to miss roughly 6-8 weeks, the club said in its weekly update on Monday. Turunen had returned to his youth club for this season and registered three assists in Jokerit’s opening three games before being ruled out.

The club’s update also lists defenceman Olli Juolevi with an estimated 4-6 weeks on the sidelines. Jokerit, still seeking their first victory of the campaign, will also be without Miks Tumānovs for their next match due to a one-game suspension.

Key Facts

  • Teemu Turunen is a 30-year-old winger.
  • Jokerit estimate Turunen will be out of the lineup for approximately 6-8 weeks, according to the club’s weekly update.
  • Turunen returned to his youth club, Jokerit, for this season.
  • Turunen collected three assists in Jokerit’s first three games of the season.
  • Turunen previously won the Liiga goal scoring title with Kärpät in 2023-24.
  • Turunen won the Finnish championship with HPK in spring 2019.
  • Defenceman Olli Juolevi is also on Jokerit’s absence list, with an estimated absence of 4-6 weeks.
  • Jokerit remain without a victory so far this season.
  • Jokerit play their next match on Thursday, their first home game of the season, against JYP.
  • Miks Tumānovs will not play in that JYP match due to a one-game suspension.

IHM Discussion

Losing Teemu Turunen for an extended spell is a clear early blow for Jokerit. He made an immediate offensive contribution with three assists in as many games; his absence removes an attacking option from a team that has yet to find a first victory.

Turunen’s Liiga goal-scoring title with Kärpät in 2023-24 and Finnish championship with HPK in 2019 underline the experience Jokerit lose while he is sidelined. The timing adds to the challenge during an opening stretch in which teams are establishing momentum and combinations.

Jokerit’s defensive depth is also affected. Olli Juolevi is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, meaning the coaching staff may need to reshuffle lines and defensive pairings while relying on the available depth players.

Why It Matters

Turunen’s absence deprives Jokerit of a player who had immediately supplied points. With the team still searching for its first win, the coming weeks will test its depth and coaching adjustments while Turunen and Juolevi are sidelined.

Mini Q&A

How long will Teemu Turunen be out?

Jokerit estimate Turunen will be sidelined for approximately 6-8 weeks.

What impact had Turunen made before his absence?

After returning to Jokerit this season, Turunen had recorded three assists in the team’s first three games.

Are any other Jokerit players unavailable?

Yes. Defenceman Olli Juolevi is also listed as out for an estimated 4-6 weeks, and Miks Tumānovs will miss the next game because of a one-game suspension.

When is Jokerit’s next match and who do they play?

Jokerit play their next game on Thursday, their first home match of the season, against JYP.

What Comes Next

Jokerit’s next fixture is on Thursday, their first home game of the season, against JYP. Miks Tumānovs is unavailable for that match because of a one-game suspension.

Sabres lock up Noah Ostlund with eight-year deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Noah Ostlund signed an eight-year, $52.8 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. The deal begins next season and carries an average annual value of $6.6 million. Ostlund, 22, is in the final season of the three-year entry-level contract he signed on July 15, 2022. Last season he produced 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 regular-season games and added two points (one goal, one assist) in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Key Facts

  • Noah Ostlund signed an eight-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.
  • The contract is worth $52.8 million in total and has an average annual value of $6.6 million.
  • The contract begins next season.
  • Ostlund, 22, is in the final season of the three-year entry-level contract he signed July 15, 2022.
  • Last season Ostlund had 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 regular-season games and two points (one goal, one assist) in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.
  • The Sabres selected Ostlund in the first round, No. 16 overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft.
  • Ostlund averaged 13:58 of ice time last season and had a plus-10 even-strength goal differential, fourth among NHL rookie forwards.

IHM Discussion

The eight-year term makes this a long-term commitment to a young player coming off his entry-level deal. The $6.6 million AAV sets the financial terms for both club and player from next season. Ostlund averaged 13:58 of ice time, posted a plus-10 even-strength goal differential and was singled out by Sabres coach Lindy Ruff for his positional reliability. Those details frame Buffalo’s investment in a forward whose defensive game stood out during his rookie season.

Why It Matters

For the Sabres, the deal locks in a first-round draft pick who has shown defensive dependability and some scoring ability at NHL level. It shifts Ostlund off the entry-level curve and into a long-term payroll commitment, giving the club control over a 22-year-old forward through what will be several prime development seasons. For Ostlund, the contract provides security as he moves from a three-year entry-level agreement into a sustained NHL role.

IHM Market Outlook

The contract establishes an AAV benchmark of $6.6 million for Ostlund as he exits his entry-level contract. It signals Buffalo’s willingness to use long-term deals to retain young players who combine defensive reliability with upside. The commitment begins next season under the stated terms.

Mini Q&A

What are the terms of Noah Ostlund’s new deal?

Ostlund signed an eight-year contract worth $52.8 million in total, with an average annual value of $6.6 million; the deal begins next season.

How old is Noah Ostlund and what contract was he on?

Ostlund is 22 years old and is in the final season of a three-year entry-level contract he signed on July 15, 2022.

What were Ostlund’s offensive numbers last season?

Last season he had 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 regular-season games and added two points (one goal, one assist) in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.

How much did he play and how did he perform defensively?

He averaged 13:58 of ice time last season and recorded a plus-10 even-strength goal differential.

When do the Sabres start camp and the regular season?

The Sabres open training camp the week of the report, play their first pre-season game Sept. 21 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and begin the regular season Oct. 1 at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Where was Ostlund drafted?

He was selected by the Sabres in the first round, No. 16 overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, consistent positioning and defensive awareness give a young forward a dependable foundation. Ostlund’s rookie-season usage and even-strength results sit alongside Ruff’s praise for his work in the defensive zone. A long-term deal gives the club time to build on those strengths while continuing to develop his offensive game.

What Comes Next

The Sabres open training camp this week, play their first pre-season game Sept. 21 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and begin the regular season Oct. 1 at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

IHM Final View

The contract is a clear vote of confidence from Buffalo in a young player who grades strongly on defensive structure and positional play. It is a long-term bet that Ostlund’s steadiness and room for offensive improvement will justify a $6.6 million AAV commitment over eight seasons.

Sami Niku and Lausanne HC part ways by mutual consent

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lausanne HC and defenceman Sami Niku have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent. The deal would otherwise have run until next spring. The Lions thanked Niku for his dedication and professionalism and wished him well.

Niku joined Lausanne last summer after a season with EHC Kloten. Across 56 National League appearances for Lausanne, he recorded eight goals and 19 assists. He is reportedly likely to continue his career with Linköping in Sweden.

Key Facts

  • Lausanne HC and Sami Niku have agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
  • Niku’s contract would have lasted until next spring before the termination.
  • The club publicly thanked Niku for his dedication and professionalism in its release.
  • Sami Niku joined Lausanne last summer after a season with EHC Kloten.
  • In 56 National League games for Lausanne Niku recorded eight goals and 19 assists.
  • Niku is 29 years old, according to reporting cited.
  • Press reports have suggested he is likely to join Linköping HC in Sweden.

IHM Discussion

The mutual termination ends Niku’s time with Lausanne before his contract was due to expire next spring. The club offered no further explanation for the timing, beyond thanking the Finnish defenceman for his dedication and professionalism.

Niku leaves Lausanne having played 56 National League games, recording eight goals and 19 assists. A report from Sweden has linked the 29-year-old with Linköping, but neither a move nor its terms have been confirmed by Lausanne.

Why It Matters

The agreement brings Lausanne’s association with Niku to an immediate end, despite his contract having been due to run until next spring.

For Niku, the next move remains unconfirmed. Linköping has been identified as a likely destination, but any switch to Sweden will remain conditional until it is formally announced.

Ten NHL teams are without a captain as Robert Thomas becomes the latest appointment

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2, making him the most recent player to receive the role. Ten teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, do not currently have a captain. Sidney Crosby is the longest-serving current captain, having held the position with the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007.

Key Facts

  • Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2.
  • Ten teams do not currently have a captain: Anaheim Ducks; Boston Bruins; Chicago Blackhawks; Columbus Blue Jackets; Detroit Red Wings; Los Angeles Kings; New York Islanders; Ottawa Senators; San Jose Sharks; Vancouver Canucks.
  • Sidney Crosby has been captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007 and is the longest current-tenured captain.
  • The current captains include Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), Mikael Backlund (Calgary Flames), Jordan Staal (Carolina Hurricanes), Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals).
  • Boston Bruins — Vacant
  • Buffalo Sabres — Rasmus Dahlin
  • Calgary Flames — Mikael Backlund
  • Carolina Hurricanes — Jordan Staal
  • Chicago Blackhawks — Vacant
  • Colorado Avalanche — Gabriel Landeskog
  • Columbus Blue Jackets — Vacant* (listed as vacant in source)

IHM Discussion

The captaincy list offers a snapshot of formal leadership assignments across the league. Long-serving captains such as Sidney Crosby sit alongside recent appointments such as Robert Thomas, while ten clubs currently have no named captain. The named group includes established stars Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.

Why It Matters

The list provides a clear reference point for each club’s formal captaincy status. It also shows the contrast between teams with an established designated leader and those currently operating without a captain.

Mini Q&A

Which player was the most recent to be named captain?

Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2.

How many NHL teams are without a captain according to the list?

Ten teams are listed as without a captain.

Who is the longest current-tenured captain in the NHL?

Sidney Crosby has been captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007 and is the longest-tenured current captain.

Which notable star players are listed as captains?

The list includes Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) and others.

Coach Mark Comment

A vacant captaincy does not prevent a club from having strong leadership within its player group. Clear standards and communication still have to come from the dressing room, whether or not one player wears the C.

IHM Final View

The current captaincy picture combines established leaders with ten vacancies. Thomas is the latest appointment, while Crosby remains the league’s longest-serving current captain.

Martin St. Louis signs four-year extension with Canadiens

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Montreal Canadiens have signed head coach Martin St. Louis to a four-year contract extension. The deal is a four-year contract that incorporates the final year of the agreement St. Louis had accepted in June 2022 and adds three further seasons through 2029-30. St. Louis, hired as interim coach on Feb. 9, 2022 and made the franchise’s 32nd head coach on June 1, 2022, led Montreal to its best regular-season points total since 2014-15 (106 points) and a run to the 2026 Eastern Conference Final, where the Canadiens fell in five games to the eventual champion Carolina Hurricanes. Team owner Geoff Molson, president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and general manager Kent Hughes all spoke at the tournament; Hughes said he was pleased to have St. Louis ” locked up for the next four seasons.” The announcement came alongside other roster and staff news: Derek Lalonde was introduced as associate coach, Josh Anderson was named an alternate captain alongside Mike Matheson, Cole Caufield was highlighted as a 50-goal scorer in 2025-26, Zachary Bolduc signed a new four-year contract, and Chris Kreider signed a one-year deal. Montreal will open training camp this week with its core largely intact and higher public expectations after last season’s progress.

Key Facts

  • Montreal announced a multiyear extension for head coach Martin St.
  • The contract is described as a four-year deal that includes the final year St. Louis had agreed to in June 2022 and adds three more seasons through 2029-30.
  • St. Louis was hired as interim coach on Feb. 9, 2022, and officially became the Canadiens’ 32nd head coach on June 1, 2022.
  • Under St. Louis, Montreal’s regular-season point totals have climbed each year: 68 (2022-23), 76 (2023-24), 91 (2024-25) and 106 (2025-26).
  • The Canadiens finished sixth in the NHL regular-season standings with 106 points in 2025-26 and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, losing in five games to the eventual champion Carolina Hurricanes.
  • St. Louis was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award in 2024-25.
  • Geoff Molson (owner, president and CEO of Groupe CH), Jeff Gorton (president of hockey operations) and Kent Hughes (general manager) addressed media at the tournament before play.
  • Derek Lalonde was introduced as the Canadiens’ newly hired associate coach.
  • Josh Anderson was announced as a new alternate captain and will wear the ‘A’ with defenceman Mike Matheson.
  • Cole Caufield scored 50 goals in 2025-26.
  • Zachary Bolduc signed a new four-year contract on the Sunday before the tournament.
  • Chris Kreider signed a one-year contract on the Saturday before the tournament. He is expected to add speed, net-front presence and grit to the Canadiens lineup.

IHM Discussion

Locking Martin St. Louis into a four-year extension formalises the continuity the Canadiens have built during their steady rise. The deal follows regular-season totals of 68, 76, 91 and 106 points in his first four full seasons behind the bench, capped by a run to the 2026 Eastern Conference Final.

The extension also keeps Montreal’s coaching direction in place as the club opens camp with its core intact and Chris Kreider added to the group. St. Louis has stressed attention to detail and a day-by-day approach; the next test is whether the Canadiens can sustain that trajectory over another full season.

Why It Matters

The extension gives Montreal continuity behind the bench as expectations rise after last season’s 106-point campaign and Eastern Conference Final appearance. It also keeps St. Louis in place to lead a core group that remains intact for training camp, with Kreider joining the lineup and Zachary Bolduc signed for four more years.

For the Canadiens, the deal is a clear vote of confidence in a coach whose teams have improved their regular-season points total in each of his four full seasons.

IHM Market Outlook

The four-year agreement provides clarity around Montreal’s coaching position as the club continues to build around its young core. Geoff Molson said the Canadiens will keep filling gaps and trying to improve each year, while Kent Hughes expressed confidence that St. Louis and the group will continue to get better.

Mini Q&A

How long is Martin St. Louis’s new contract with the Canadiens?

The team announced a four-year deal that includes the final year St. Louis had agreed to in June 2022 and adds three additional seasons through 2029-30.

When did Martin St. Louis become Montreal’s head coach?

St. Louis was hired as interim coach on Feb. 9, 2022, and officially became the Canadiens’ 32nd head coach on June 1, 2022.

How far did the Canadiens go in the 2026 playoffs?

Montreal advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in 2026, where the Canadiens lost in five games to the eventual champion Carolina Hurricanes.

What has been the trend in the Canadiens’ regular-season points under St. Louis?

Montreal’s points totals under St. Louis have risen each season: 68 (2022-23), 76 (2023-24), 91 (2024-25) and 106 (2025-26).

What other personnel news was highlighted at the tournament?

Derek Lalonde was identified as the new associate coach, Josh Anderson as a new alternate captain alongside Mike Matheson, while Zachary Bolduc had signed a four-year contract and Chris Kreider a one-year deal.

When does Montreal begin training camp?

The Canadiens will open training camp this week, according to the club’s announcement at the tournament.

Coach Mark Comment

Continuity behind the bench gives Montreal a stable platform as its young core develops. The key is to keep demanding the detail St. Louis has highlighted while defining roles clearly as new pieces enter the lineup. Kreider’s net-front presence and grit can complement the club’s speed if the group maintains its structure away from the puck.

IHM Final View

The Canadiens’ decision to extend Martin St. Louis is a deliberate vote of confidence in steady progress. The contract formalises a coach who has overseen measurable improvement and a deep playoff run, and it shores up continuity as Montreal moves into a season when expectations have risen. Success will still depend on day-to-day execution – health, depth, in-season adjustments and how new pieces like Chris Kreider complement the existing core – but the organisation has chosen to keep its coaching direction intact as it pursues the next step toward a Stanley Cup calibre roster.

Eriksson Ek, Kaprizov lead ‘Skol’ chant at Vikings game

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, Jonas Brodin and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild led the crowd in the ‘skol clap’ just before the second half of the Minnesota Vikings game against the Green Bay Packers. The Wild players wore custom Vikings jerseys while taking part in the chant.

Key Facts

  • Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, Jonas Brodin and Jesper Wallstedt led the crowd in the ‘skol clap’ just before the second half of the Vikings – Packers game.
  • All four Wild players wore custom Minnesota Vikings jerseys while participating in the chant.
  • The Minnesota Wild posted a clip of the moment on September 13, 2026.
  • The Minnesota Wild open their season on Thursday, October 1, against the Nashville Predators at 8 p.m. ET (MINNHL, SCRIPPS).

IHM Discussion

Four Minnesota Wild players made a visible cross-sport appearance by leading the crowd in the Vikings’ signature chant while wearing custom jerseys. Eriksson Ek, Kaprizov, Brodin and Wallstedt helped energise the stadium before the second half as Minnesota faced Green Bay.

The appearance coincided with a dramatic Vikings comeback, adding to the occasion for the Wild players and the fans in attendance. The Wild now turn their attention to their own season opener against Nashville.

Why It Matters

The appearance put several Wild players in front of a large Minnesota crowd shortly before the club opens its own season. It also gave fans a light-hearted crossover moment involving two local teams.

Mini Q&A

Who led the ‘Skol’ chant at the Vikings game?

Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, Jonas Brodin and Jesper Wallstedt led the crowd in the ‘skol clap’.

What were the Wild players wearing during the appearance?

All four players wore custom Minnesota Vikings jerseys.

When do the Minnesota Wild open their NHL season?

The Wild open their season on Thursday, October 1, against the Nashville Predators at 8 p.m. ET (MINNHL, SCRIPPS).

Where was the moment shared?

The Minnesota Wild shared a clip of the players leading the chant on September 13, 2026.

Coach Mark Comment

A public appearance like this can be a welcome team-building moment, provided it remains separate from the work required to prepare for the season. The Wild’s focus will quickly return to their opener against Nashville.

What Comes Next

The Minnesota Wild open their season on Thursday, October 1, against the Nashville Predators at 8 p.m. ET; the game will be on MINNHL and SCRIPPS.

Ässät lose Arttu Alasiurua for 3-5 weeks

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ässät have confirmed that forward Arttu Alasiurua will be unavailable for the next 3-5 weeks. Peter Tiivola returns to the line-up after a ten-day absence. Alasiurua is in his second season with Ässät and has played three Liiga games this season, recording one goal and one assist. Tiivola has featured twice this season, collecting one assist after being injured in Ässät’s second game of the campaign against Ilves.

Key Facts

  • Ässät forward Arttu Alasiurua will be sidelined for 3-5 weeks.
  • Peter Tiivola returns to Ässät’s line-up after a ten-day absence.
  • Arttu Alasiurua is playing his second season with Ässät.
  • This season Alasiurua has played three Liiga games, recording 1+1 (one goal, one assist).
  • Peter Tiivola has played two Liiga games this season, recording 0+1 (one assist).
  • Tiivola was injured in Ässät’s second game of the season against Ilves.

IHM Discussion

Ässät face a short-term change in their forward group with Arttu Alasiurua sidelined for 3-5 weeks. The forward has opened the Liiga season with one goal and one assist in three appearances, so his absence removes an early contributor from the available options.

Peter Tiivola’s return after ten days away gives Ässät another forward for the line-up. He has one assist in two games this season and returns after the injury he suffered against Ilves in the club’s second game of the campaign.

Why It Matters

Alasiurua’s absence will leave Ässät to adjust their forward options over the coming weeks. Tiivola’s return provides an immediate addition to the available group after his ten-day spell out, which may ease the club’s selection choices for upcoming Liiga fixtures.

Petr Dědek commissions NHL-style championship rings for Pardubice

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Petr Dědek, owner of HC Dynamo Pardubice, has commissioned commemorative championship rings for the club’s players as a personal thank-you for their spring Extraliga playoff run, which ended in a title. The rings were modelled on NHL championship rings and made specifically for the Pardubice squad.

Dědek was to present the rings at a ceremonial private lunch at Pardubice’s ice stadium on Saturday. Selected players were then to show them to supporters that afternoon during a club event on Pernštýn Square. Dynamo won its seventh title on 28 April 2026, 14 years after its previous championship, and it was Dědek’s first as owner.

Key Facts

  • Petr Dědek, owner of HC Dynamo Pardubice, commissioned commemorative championship rings for the players.
  • The rings were modelled on NHL championship rings and made as a thank-you for the team’s playoff run.
  • Dědek was to present the rings during a ceremonial private lunch at Pardubice’s ice stadium on Saturday.
  • Selected players were to show the rings to fans in the afternoon during a club event on Pernštýn Square.
  • Dynamo won its seventh club title on 28 April 2026.
  • The title is the club’s seventh and came 14 years after its previous championship.
  • The championship was Dědek’s first as owner.

IHM Discussion

The decision to mark the Extraliga triumph with NHL-style rings places HC Dynamo Pardubice’s celebration in a recognisable international tradition. Championship rings provide players with a lasting memento of a successful campaign, and Dědek’s gesture gives the squad a tangible reminder of its title run.

The planned private presentation and public showing allow the club to mark the achievement with both players and supporters. The lunch at the ice stadium was to be followed by an afternoon fan event at Pernštýn Square, bringing the rings into the wider title celebrations.

Why It Matters

The rings mark Pardubice’s first title under Dědek and the club’s return to the top after 14 years. For a side celebrating its seventh championship, they provide a lasting symbol of the squad’s achievement and add a modern element to the title celebrations.

Mini Q&A

Who commissioned the championship rings for Pardubice?

Petr Dědek, owner of HC Dynamo Pardubice, commissioned the rings.

What style were the rings modelled on?

The rings were modelled on NHL championship rings.

When and where will the rings be presented?

Dědek was to present the rings on Saturday during a ceremonial private lunch at Pardubice’s ice stadium; selected players will show them to fans that afternoon at Pernštýn Square.

Which title are the rings commemorating?

They commemorate HC Dynamo Pardubice’s Extraliga title, won on 28 April 2026.

How significant is this title for the club and owner?

It was the club’s seventh title, came 14 years after the previous championship and was Petr Dědek’s first as owner.

What Comes Next

Dědek’s presentation of the commemorative rings is scheduled for Saturday during a ceremonial private lunch at Pardubice’s ice stadium.

Petteri Lindbohm signs with TPS on foreign-option deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

TPS have bolstered their defence by signing 32-year-old Petteri Lindbohm to a contract that runs for the remainder of the season and includes an option allowing him to depart for a club abroad during the campaign. Lindbohm, who began the Liiga season unsigned, joins a Turku roster that has opened the season with two wins and one defeat.

Lindbohm said he had trained well over the summer and was pleased to join TPS, calling the club ” a fine and traditional team” and saying it was an honour to wear the shirt. TPS sporting director Mika Suoraniemi explained the move was prompted by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave. Suoraniemi added that Lindbohm was a priority in their market search, and that while Lindbohm’s primary objective remains to secure a playing place abroad, talks quickly produced mutual interest in a TPS switch.

The signing adds a player with extensive international and club experience to TPS’s dressing room. Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games for Jokerit, Ässät and HIFK, collecting 36 points; his playoff record in Liiga stands at 12 games with one goal and one assist. Last season he played 27 regular-season and five playoff games for HIFK, scoring 3+5 in the league and 1+0 in the post-season. His wider career includes 49 NHL appearances with the St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers, 45 KHL matches for Jokerit, 135 National League games with Lausanne HC and EHC Biel-Bienne, and 52 SHL outings for Frölunda HC.

On the international stage Lindbohm was part of Finland’s gold-medal winning Olympic team in 2022 and the world championship-winning squad in 2019, and he also won world championship silver in 2021.

Key Facts

  • Petteri Lindbohm (32) has signed with TPS on a contract covering the remainder of the season.
  • The contract contains an option that allows Lindbohm to leave for a club abroad during the season.
  • Lindbohm was without a contract at the start of the Liiga season before joining TPS.
  • TPS began the season with two wins and one loss prior to Lindbohm’s arrival.
  • Mika Suoraniemi, TPS’s sporting director, said the signing was made necessary by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave.
  • Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games for Jokerit, Ässät and HIFK, scoring 36 points.
  • His Liiga playoff record is 12 games with 1+1.
  • Last season for HIFK Lindbohm appeared in 27 regular-season games (3+5) and five playoff games (1+0).
  • Lindbohm’s club career also includes 49 NHL games (St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers), 45 KHL games (Jokerit), 135 NL games (Lausanne HC, EHC Biel-Bienne) and 52 SHL games (Frölunda HC).
  • Internationally, Lindbohm won Olympic gold in 2022, the world championship in 2019 and world championship silver in 2021.

IHM Discussion

TPS moved quickly to plug a gap created by Niklas Friman’s prolonged absence, prioritising a player with both domestic and international experience. The contract’s foreign-exit clause preserves Lindbohm’s stated objective of returning to a club abroad if an opportunity arises, while giving TPS immediate depth and veteran presence on the blue line.

From a squad-management perspective the deal is a short-term solution: it addresses an urgent need without closing down Lindbohm’s options. For Lindbohm, joining a traditional Liiga club that had already taken positive steps in the early season offers a route back into competitive regular-season hockey after starting the campaign unsigned.

Why It Matters

The signing matters for TPS because it adds experience during Friman’s lengthy absence through illness and does so quickly. Lindbohm’s career across top leagues and his international medals add a player accustomed to high-stakes games, while the foreign option means the arrangement may be temporary rather than a long-term transfer.

Mini Q&A

Has Petteri Lindbohm officially signed with TPS?

Yes. Petteri Lindbohm has signed a contract with TPS covering the remainder of the season.

Does Lindbohm’s contract allow him to leave during the season?

Yes. The deal includes an option that permits Lindbohm to depart for a club abroad during the season.

Why did TPS sign Lindbohm?

TPS sporting director Mika Suoraniemi said the signing was prompted by captain Niklas Friman’s long sick leave and that Lindbohm was a priority in their market search.

What experience does Lindbohm bring?

Lindbohm has played 161 Liiga games (36 points), 49 NHL games, 45 KHL games, 135 NL games and 52 SHL games, and he has Olympic gold (2022), world championship gold (2019) and world silver (2021).

Coach Mark Comment

Lindbohm’s experience gives TPS another established option on defence at a time when Friman is unavailable. The immediate task will be to integrate him into the existing structure, with the foreign option underlining that this may be a short-term arrangement.

IHM Final View

This is a sensible, short-term signing by TPS: Lindbohm fills an urgent defensive need caused by Friman’s long sick leave while keeping his own overseas ambitions intact. Expect him to be used as experienced depth for the remainder of the campaign unless an overseas offer arrives and his contractual exit option is exercised.

PENNY DEL 2026/27 season shaped by home World Championship

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The PENNY DEL 2026/27 season opens with title-holder Eisbären Berlin hosting the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September (19:30 CET), a fixture that carries extra weight after the recent playoff battles between the clubs. Berlin will raise the banner for their 13th championship before puck drop and can become the first club in DEL history to win four consecutive titles. The season will play out under the shadow of the 2027 IIHF World Championship, hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf, with players aiming to impress new Germany head coach André Rankel. Newly promoted Krefeld Pinguine return to the top flight and will welcome Fischtown Pinguine Bremerhaven to the Yayla-Arena for their home opener on the first weekend, while Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 games to overtake Mirko Lüdemann’s DEL appearance record of 1,200 games and could reach the mark as early as 20 November in Munich.

Key Facts

  • Eisbären Berlin open the season against the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September at 19:30 CET.
  • The Eisbären will raise the banner for their 13th DEL championship before the opening match.
  • Eisbären Berlin can become the first DEL club to win four titles in a row in the upcoming season.
  • The season opener will be shown live and free on MagentaSport and Magenta TV; all other season matches will also be live on MagentaSport.
  • The 2027 IIHF World Championship will be hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf; Germany begin their tournament campaign on 13 May 2027 at Schalke against Switzerland in front of more than 60,000 spectators.
  • New German national coach André Rankel is expected to attend the PENNY DEL season opener as a spectator.
  • Krefeld Pinguine return to the PENNY DEL as promoted club more than four years after relegation and were German champions in 2003.
  • Krefeld’s home opener is scheduled for the first weekend of the season at the Yayla-Arena against Fischtown Pinguine Bremerhaven, Thomas Popiesch’s long-time club.
  • Krefeld have already sold more than 3,000 season tickets and expect a near sell-out for their home opener.
  • Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 more DEL games to surpass Mirko Lüdemann’s record of 1,200 DEL appearances and could reach the new mark earliest on 20 November in an away game at Red Bull München.
  • Kölner Haie drew 18,104 spectators before the season to set a Champions Hockey League attendance record.

IHM Discussion

The 2026/27 PENNY DEL season carries added national significance as German players seek to impress new national coach André Rankel ahead of the 2027 home World Championship. For Eisbären Berlin, the early-season spotlight is twofold. Raising their 13th title banner is a ceremonial high point, while the prospect of a fourth straight championship gives opponents a clear target. Straubing’s status as a difficult playoff opponent in each of the past two years adds immediate competitive edge to the opener.

Krefeld’s return is another major storyline. Promotion restores the 2003 German champions to the top flight and has already generated substantial local demand: more than 3,000 season tickets have been sold and the home opener is close to selling out. Their first opponent, Bremerhaven, adds a personal link through Thomas Popiesch’s long association with the club.

The Kölner Haie captain needs 18 more DEL games to move beyond Lüdemann’s 1,200 appearances.

Why It Matters

The home World Championship gives German players an added incentive throughout the DEL campaign as they compete for places in André Rankel’s squad. Eisbären Berlin also have the chance to make league history by becoming the first club to win four consecutive DEL titles. Krefeld’s return to the top flight and Moritz Müller’s record chase add further storylines to a season that runs until a German champion is confirmed by 30 April 2027 at the latest.

Mini Q&A

When and who plays the PENNY DEL season opener?

Eisbären Berlin host the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September at 19:30 CET.

Can any team make DEL history this season?

Yes. Eisbären Berlin can become the first club in DEL history to win four consecutive championships.

How is the 2027 World Championship affecting the DEL season?

The 2027 World Championship, hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf, will put a spotlight on DEL players hoping to earn places in André Rankel’s Germany squad; the national team opens the tournament on 13 May 2027 at Schalke against Switzerland.

Which club has returned to the PENNY DEL this season?

Krefeld Pinguine return to the PENNY DEL as promoted club, more than four years after their relegation.

What milestone is Moritz Müller chasing?

Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 more DEL games to surpass Mirko Lüdemann’s record of 1,200 appearances and could reach the new mark earliest on 20 November in Munich.

Where will fans be able to watch the DEL matches?

The season opener will be shown live and free on MagentaSport and Magenta TV. All other season matches will also be live on MagentaSport.

IHM Final View

This PENNY DEL season will be watched with an intensity that exceeds a normal campaign. The dual storylines of domestic title ambitions – with Eisbären Berlin aiming for a fourth straight championship – and the selection process for a home World Championship make the coming months a crucial proving ground for players and clubs alike. Krefeld’s return and Moritz Müller’s record chase provide additional human-interest threads that will keep supporters engaged from opening puck drop to the spring finale.