The defense prospect Arttu Kärki, 20, who started the season with HIFK, has found a new club.

The Vegas Golden Knights’ third-round pick from the summer of 2023 is moving to Mikkelin Jukurit with a contract that extends through the end of next season. The club announced Kärki’s signing on Saturday.

– Arttu is a skilled puck-moving defenseman who is seeking his breakthrough. His potential is highlighted by the NHL draft, and he already showed his abilities in the league last season. An excellent addition for us, and he fits our style very well. I believe Jukurit will be a good place for him to take the next step in his career, Jukurit’s sports director Mikko Hakkarainen described the new acquisition on the club’s website.

– The team assembly for next season is progressing well, and Arttu is also a good piece for us looking ahead. Additionally, on the defensive side, we need to prepare for the fact that Alberts Smits will be absent at least for the U20 World Championships at the turn of the year, but possibly also for the Olympics in February, Hakkarainen continues.

Kärki represented Tappara and Ässät last season. The young player recorded 14 points in 43 games with 3 goals and 11 assists.

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