Story Summary
Finnish forward Joona Jääskeläinen has agreed to join HK Spišská Nová Ves for the 2026/27 Slovak Extraliga season. General manager Richard Rapáč described him as a difference-making forward with a strong shot and leadership qualities, after talks that had been under way since April.
Key Facts
- Joona Jääskeläinen is a Finnish forward who will play in the 2026/2027 Slovak Extraliga season for HK Spišská Nová Ves.
- HK Spišská Nová Ves announced the signing.
- General manager Richard Rapáč said the club had been in contact with Jääskeläinen since April and that negotiations took an extended period.
- Rapáč described Jääskeläinen as a ‘difference-making forward’ with several 20-goal seasons in the Slovak Extraliga, a good shot and versatility across game situations, and suggested he will act as a leader for the club’s young Slovak core.
- Jääskeläinen turned 30 on 5 September.
- Spišská Nová Ves will be his fifth club in the Slovak Extraliga.
- He first played in the league in 2019/2020 for Banská Bystrica.
- Since the 2020/2021 season, which he spent at Mladá Boleslav, he has been continuously active in Slovakia.
- He has had one season with Slovan Bratislava, three seasons with Košice and spent 2025/2026 with HKM Zvolen.
- With HKM Zvolen in 2025/26, he played 56 games, scoring 18 goals and adding 18 assists.
- Across six seasons in the Slovak Extraliga he has played 357 games, recording 277 points (130 goals and 147 assists).
- Reportedly, Jääskeläinen holds the records among Finnish players in the Slovak Extraliga for games played, goals, assists and points.
IHM Discussion
The signing gives Spišská Nová Ves an experienced forward with a substantial record in Slovakia. Jääskeläinen has played 357 Slovak Extraliga games and recorded 277 points across six seasons. Rapáč highlighted his shot, all-situations versatility and leadership, suggesting the club sees him as a player who can contribute both on the ice and within its young Slovak core.
Why It Matters
Jääskeläinen brings proven Slovak Extraliga production to Spišská Nová Ves, along with experience that the club believes can benefit its younger Slovak players. His move also keeps one of the league’s leading Finnish statistical contributors in Slovakia.
Mini Q&A
Who has Spišská Nová Ves signed?
They have signed Finnish forward Joona Jääskeläinen for the 2026/2027 season.
What did the club say about him?
General manager Richard Rapáč called him a difference-making forward with a very good shot, useful in any game situation and a positive leader for the club’s young Slovak core.
How long has Jääskeläinen been in Slovakia?
He first appeared in the Slovak Extraliga in 2019/2020 and, aside from a 2020/2021 spell in Mladá Boleslav, has been continuously active in Slovakia since then.
What are his Slovak Extraliga totals?
Across six Slovak Extraliga seasons, he has played 357 games and recorded 277 points, with 130 goals and 147 assists.
What Comes Next
Jääskeläinen will wear the Spišská Nová Ves jersey in the 2026/27 Slovak Extraliga season.
IHM Final View
Spišská Nová Ves have added a forward with a long and productive record in the Slovak Extraliga. His scoring history and experience make him a notable addition for the 2026/27 campaign.