Story Summary
Onni Käyhkö has left Pelicans after the club and the defenceman agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. The 192cm Finnish defenceman has subsequently joined BIK Karlskoga, who compete in Sweden’s second tier, for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.
Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month. Defenceman Samuel Huzevka and forward Lukas Zetterberg departed the club in September.
A Pelicans youth product, Käyhkö played four league matches this season without registering a point. BIK Karlskoga have said they hope to have him available for this weekend’s fixtures.
Key Facts
- Pelicans and defenceman Onni Käyhkö ended his contract by mutual agreement.
- Käyhkö is the third Pelicans player to have his contract ended within a month.
- Samuel Huzevka and Lukas Zetterberg left Pelicans in September.
- Käyhkö played four league matches for Pelicans this season and recorded no points.
- BIK Karlskoga have confirmed Käyhkö’s signing for the 2026-27 season.
- Käyhkö made 40 regular-season appearances last season, producing four goals and one assist.
- He joined Pelicans’ senior league team during the 2022-23 season.
IHM Discussion
The move gives Käyhkö an immediate route into a new environment after a brief start to the season in Lahti. His four appearances without a point came after a much larger role last term, when he featured in 40 regular-season games.
BIK Karlskoga sporting director Torsten Yngveson described Käyhkö as a big, robust two-way defenceman with good skating and a good first pass. That assessment identifies the qualities Karlskoga expect him to bring, while the club’s hope of having him ready for the weekend underlines the short-term focus following the signing.
Why It Matters
For Pelicans, Käyhkö’s departure is another personnel change in a short period. For Karlskoga, the agreement adds a 192cm defenceman with recent senior league experience and a full season of regular-season hockey behind him.
The transfer also places Käyhkö in Sweden’s second tier for the remainder of 2026-27, with Karlskoga seeking to integrate him quickly if he is ready to play.
Mini Q&A
Why did Onni Käyhkö leave Pelicans?
Pelicans and Käyhkö agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
How long is Käyhkö’s contract with BIK Karlskoga?
BIK Karlskoga confirmed that the agreement covers the 2026-27 season.
What did Käyhkö produce for Pelicans last season?
He played 40 regular-season matches and recorded four goals and one assist.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is BIK Karlskoga’s weekend schedule. The club has said it hopes Käyhkö will be fit to feature in those matches.