Tag: Jyrki Jokipakka

Report: Jokipakka accepts lower-value Tappara deal

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka has reportedly accepted a contract below his market value to remain with the Liiga club. The 35-year-old’s newly announced two-year extension is said to pay €170,000 per season from next season, with performance bonuses also included.

Esko Seppänen said Jokipakka negotiated only with Tappara and did not test the wider market. Seppänen attributed the reported discount to the player’s desire to continue playing for Tappara and live in Tampere.

Jokipakka was among Liiga’s leading defencemen last season, recording 13 goals and 31 assists in 67 combined regular-season and play-off appearances. He has one goal and two assists through seven games this season.

Key Facts

  • Jyrki Jokipakka’s reported two-year Tappara extension was announced on Friday.
  • The deal is reportedly worth €170,000 per season from next season, plus performance bonuses.
  • Esko Seppänen said Jokipakka negotiated exclusively with Tappara rather than inviting offers from other clubs.
  • Seppänen said Jokipakka accepted less than his market value because he wants to play for Tappara and live in Tampere.
  • Jokipakka posted 13 goals and 31 assists in 67 regular-season and play-off games last season.
  • This season, the 35-year-old defenceman has three points, consisting of one goal and two assists, in seven games.

IHM Discussion

The reported terms place the focus on continuity rather than a bidding process. Jokipakka’s production last season was substantial for a defenceman, while his early return of three points in seven games shows that he remains involved offensively this term.

The important qualification is that the financial detail and the account of negotiations are reported rather than confirmed by Tappara in the available information. Still, Seppänen’s account presents the extension as a player-led choice to stay with the club, not the result of competing offers.

Why It Matters

Keeping Jokipakka on a two-year agreement would give Tappara continuity around a defenceman who delivered 44 points across last season’s regular season and play-offs. The reported salary structure also includes performance bonuses, linking part of his earnings to future results.

Tappara extend Jyrki Jokipakka for two seasons

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara have signed defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka to a two-season contract extension.

The 35-year-old’s agreement was announced during Tappara’s Friday evening game against Jokerit. Jokipakka returned to Tampere ahead of last season and produced 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points across 67 regular-season and play-off games.

He has one goal and two assists in seven games this season.

Key Facts

  • Tappara have agreed a two-season extension with 35-year-old defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka.
  • Jokipakka recorded 13 goals, 31 assists and 44 points in 67 regular-season and play-off games last season.
  • He was selected to the Liiga All-Stars line last season.
  • Jokipakka has posted one goal and two assists in seven games this season.
  • Tappara general manager Janne Vuorinen said the club were extremely pleased to retain Jokipakka for the next two seasons.

IHM Discussion

The extension secures an experienced, productive defenceman for Tappara beyond the current campaign. Jokipakka’s 44 points across the regular season and play-offs last term underline the offensive contribution he made after returning to Tampere, while his current three points in seven appearances show he has again started the season on the scoresheet.

Vuorinen also pointed to Jokipakka’s standing within the group, describing him as an important presence in the dressing room as well as a strong team player and experienced professional.

Why It Matters

Tappara have retained a defenceman who was recognised with Liiga All-Stars selection last season and who delivered substantial production across a 67-game regular-season and play-off schedule. The two-season commitment gives the club clarity over Jokipakka’s immediate future while keeping an established blue-line contributor in place.