HIFK is aiming for a new man to replace Jori Lehterä – Janne Laukkanen to IL: "It's not worth waiting"

Jori Lehterä‘s surprising end to his playing career has left a gap in HIFK’s center forward department.

HIFK is currently exploring options. Sports director Janne Laukkanen confirmed to Iltalehti that the situation came as a surprise to the club.

– We are currently assessing players. This matter came as a surprise to us, and there is no information to share at this date, Laukkanen says to Iltalehti.

Finding a player, however, is not straightforward at this stage of the season.

The seasons in European leagues have just started, and teams are not very willing to part with their players. For this reason, HIFK’s gaze may also turn to North America.

NHL camps are currently underway. In the coming days, some of the players on try-out contracts will be released, and later, players who do not secure an NHL spot and do not wish to continue in the minors may also become available in Europe.

However, Finland is not automatically the most attractive option for these players.

According to a player agent interviewed by Iltalehti, the best players available for Europe at this stage are primarily directed to Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany.

– Finland may not even be offered top-category players at this stage. They are mainly offered to Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany. SM-liiga clubs are often presented with completely different player lists than those for the higher-quality leagues in Europe, says one player agent.

HIFK’s problem is also exacerbated by the fact that the work permit process can take weeks.

– The permit matter is then sent to be processed by Migri. Once the player receives the work permit, they can come to Finland and work here. The process can take 3–4 weeks. If there is no queue, it can be done in a week, Laukkanen explains.

– For Jake Leschyshyn, whom we acquired in the summer, these matters took about three weeks. Don’t expect player news from us at least for a couple of days, Laukkanen continues.

Iltalehti also confirmed that Lehterä’s potential move to European rinks would require HIFK’s signature on the so-called transfer card.