A big Finnish transfer echoed from Sweden – A familiar goalkeeper from the Lions changes teams

The goalkeeper Lassi Lehtinen, known from the Lions, is changing scenery in Sweden. According to Expressen, the 27-year-old Finnish goalie is leaving the SHL team HV71 and will join the newly promoted IF Björklöven for the next season.

The contract between Lehtinen and HV71 was mutually terminated a year before its expiration. The decision served both parties, as the Finnish goalie would not have had a significant role in HV71’s plans for the upcoming season.

Lehtinen, who moved from MoDo to HV71 last summer, had a disappointing season. The Finn played only 22 games, in which his save percentage was a modest 86.8.

However, a new opportunity lies ahead. At IF Björklöven, Lehtinen will form a duo with fellow Finnish goalie Frans Tuohimaa. The 34-year-old Tuohimaa was one of the team’s most important players as they secured their promotion to the SHL in the recently concluded season.

Lehtinen is also a familiar name in the Liiga. Throughout his career, he has represented TPS and Lukko, with whom he won the Finnish championship in the pandemic year of 2021.

At that time, Lehtinen was also awarded the Urpo Ylönen trophy, given to the best goalie in the Liiga.

Lehtinen last appeared in the Lion jersey during the 2024–25 season.

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