Story Summary
JYP begin Petri Matikainen’s second season with largely the same core but targeted reinforcements. The attack is largely intact – Santeri Huovila, Jere Lassila, Leevi Tukiainen and Valtteri Ojantakanen return alongside Juuso Puustinen, Daniel Torgersson and Alexander True – and Olympic champion Harri Pesonen arrives to add experience. Juuso Arola, Malte Setkov and Veeti Väisänen have joined the defence, while Teemu Eronen’s fitness is a concern. In net, Oskari Salminen is listed as the expected number one after an inconsistent previous season, backed by 32-year-old Oskari Setänen and 20-year-old Otto Hannikainen. JYP also face a month-long opening run of away games while their arena is renovated.
Key Facts
- Petri Matikainen continues as JYP head coach into his second season.
- Most of JYP’s core forwards from last season remain: Santeri Huovila, Jere Lassila, Leevi Tukiainen, Valtteri Ojantakanen, Daniel Torgersson, Alexander True and Juuso Puustinen.
- Harri Pesonen, an Olympic champion and a major signing in the squad preview, has joined JYP and appears set for a role in the leading lines.
- New arrivals also include Reece Newkirk (25, from the ECHL), Arvid Costmar (25, one-year contract) and Juuso Arola (from Jukurit).
- Defensive additions are Malte Setkov (27, from the Danish top league), Veeti Väisänen (signed from Canadian junior hockey) and Juuso Arola.
- Tobias Winberg left for the Czech top league; Joona Lehmus and Juuso Pulli did not receive new contracts.
- Teemu Eronen missed much of last season through several injuries and is currently rehabilitating outside the team’s activities; his fitness is a key question for the defence.
- Malte Setkov is over two metres tall, has been a regular in the Danish national team and scored more than 30 points in each of the past three Danish seasons; he is expected to be used on the penalty kill.
- In practice pairings, Arola has been partnered with Trent Bourque, and Setkov with Väinö Liikonen.
- Defensive role map listed: Sami Vatanen, Juuso Arola and Teemu Eronen on the power play; Eetu Peltola, Väinö Liikonen, Trent Bourque and Malte Setkov on the penalty kill.
- JYP projects seven regular playing defencemen, with Ossi-Veikka Vuontisvaara and Veeti Väisänen likely to play also for KeuPa HT if necessary.
- Oskari Salminen is designated as the team’s number one goaltender despite an inconsistent previous Liiga season and generally below-average last-season numbers; Salminen is noted for streaky form with very good games followed by weak ones elsewhere in the campaign. Oskari Setänen signed a contract last autumn, is 32 years old and enters the season primarily as the backup but could receive a larger role during the campaign. Otto Hannikainen, 20, is expected to have only occasional appearances as a third goalie. JYP’s arena is under renovation, forcing the team to play its first ten matches away from home, creating an early-season challenge for taking points on the road. Juuso Puustinen is singled out as a devastating finisher and the team’s emotional leader; Valtteri Ojantakanen identified as the best shooter and Julius Korjus the fastest skater in the squad preview.
IHM Discussion
On paper, JYP have retained the group that pushed for the top four last season while adding experience and depth. Malte Setkov brings size and an established international profile to the blue line, Juuso Arola adds puck-moving ability for the power play, and Harri Pesonen strengthens an already experienced forward group alongside Reece Newkirk and Arvid Costmar.
The attack remains the club’s clearest strength, led by players who produced last season. Setkov is the most eye-catching defensive addition: a two-metre defenceman with consistent production in Denmark and international experience. The key question is how quickly that experience translates to Liiga.
The defensive rotation has clearly defined special-teams responsibilities, but Teemu Eronen’s availability remains uncertain as he rehabilitates outside team activities. That uncertainty could place greater responsibility on the other defencemen.
The central concern remains goaltending. Salminen is expected to lead the group after a mixed season, while Setänen begins primarily as the backup and Hannikainen is set for occasional third-goalie duty. JYP’s results will depend in part on more consistent goaltending and on limiting the brief defensive lapses that have led to goals against in recent seasons.
Why It Matters
JYP’s upgrades keep them as realistic contenders for a top-four finish in Liiga provided the new defenders adapt and the goalkeeping steadies. The arrival of Harri Pesonen brings high-end experience and match-winning capacity, which could swing close games. Conversely, an unsettled goaltending situation or a prolonged recovery for Teemu Eronen would reduce the team’s margin for error. Playing the first ten games away will test the squad’s character early and could shape momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Mini Q&A
Who is JYP’s coach for the coming season?
Petri Matikainen remains JYP’s head coach into his second season.
Is Harri Pesonen joining JYP and what does he bring?
Yes. Harri Pesonen, described as an Olympic champion in the club preview, has joined JYP and brings veteran experience and the ability to influence tight games.
What is the biggest roster question for JYP?
Goaltending is the largest uncertainty: Oskari Salminen is the expected number one despite an inconsistent previous Liiga season, with Oskari Setänen as his experienced backup and Otto Hannikainen as third option.
Which new defenders did JYP sign?
JYP signed Malte Setkov (a large, mobile Danish league defenceman), Veeti Väisänen (from Canadian junior hockey) and Juuso Arola (from Jukurit).
How will JYP start the season logistically?
Because of an arena renovation JYP will play their first ten matches away from home.
Are there any clear leaders in the squad?
Juuso Puustinen is identified as the team’s emotional leader and a lethal finisher; Eetu Peltola was named an alternate captain.
Coach Mark Comment
JYP’s forward depth gives the coaching staff options, but the opening road schedule will place a premium on reliable team defending. Clear puck-management decisions and controlled changes will be particularly important if the goaltending picture remains unsettled.
What Comes Next
JYP will begin the Liiga season with a ten-game run of away matches while their home arena is renovated. This opening road trip is a concrete early-season checkpoint for measuring the squad’s mental strength and cohesion under pressure.
IHM Final View
JYP enter the new Liiga season with a stronger roster on paper: an attack built for production, a notable addition in Setkov on defence, and experienced options in the forward group. The outlook is nevertheless cautious. The team’s ceiling is high if Salminen finds consistency and Eronen becomes available; otherwise, the demanding opening road stretch and defensive lapses remain significant concerns. JYP have the squad to challenge near the top, but goaltending and defensive consistency will shape their season.