Story Summary
Saku Forsblom has joined Mestis side Kiekko-Vantaa on loan from Jokerit. The 28-year-old defenceman’s agreement is open-ended, although Jokerit can recall him if required.
Forsblom previously captained Jokerit in 2023-24 and 2025-26, and helped the Helsinki club win the Mestis title last spring. His return to Liiga has brought 12 appearances for Jokerit this season without a point.
Forward Jesse Liuksiala will also continue the season on loan at Kiekko-Vantaa and remains available for recall by Jokerit.
Key Facts
- Saku Forsblom, 28, has moved from Jokerit to Kiekko-Vantaa on an open-ended loan.
- Jokerit retain the option to recall Forsblom during the loan.
- Forsblom served as Jokerit captain in the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.
- He helped Jokerit win the Mestis championship last spring.
- Forsblom has played 12 Liiga games for Jokerit this season without registering a point.
- The defenceman has played 70 Liiga games for Jukurit and Jokerit, alongside 218 Mestis appearances.
- Jesse Liuksiala is also continuing the season on loan with Kiekko-Vantaa and can be recalled by Jokerit.
IHM Discussion
The loan gives Forsblom a route back into regular Mestis action after a limited statistical return in Jokerit’s Liiga campaign. It is also a flexible arrangement for Jokerit, who can bring back the experienced defenceman should their needs change.
Forsblom arrives with substantial Mestis experience and recent captaincy history at Jokerit. Kiekko-Vantaa add a player who has already carried a prominent responsibility for one of Finnish hockey’s biggest clubs, while Jokerit preserve control of his short-term availability.
Liuksiala’s concurrent loan means Kiekko-Vantaa will have two Jokerit players continuing their seasons with the club, both subject to recall.
Why It Matters
Forsblom’s move is notable because it places a former Jokerit captain and recent Mestis champion back in the league where he has played 218 games. The arrangement allows Kiekko-Vantaa to use an experienced defenceman without Jokerit surrendering the option of bringing him back.
For Forsblom, the loan follows a 12-game Liiga spell without a point this season. The immediate significance is opportunity: he will continue his campaign with Kiekko-Vantaa while remaining tied to Jokerit’s plans.