HIFK strengthens its defense with a notable defender name. The club announced on Monday a two-year contract with Kasper Puutio, 23.

The defender arriving from Ässät has already gathered 271 league games worth of experience despite his young age. In these games, Puutio has scored 28+58=86 points. This past season, the defender, who was part of the captaincy in Pori’s Ässät, recorded 5+17=22 points in 48 games.

IFK’s head coach Olli Jokinen has been keeping an eye on Puutio for a long time.

– We tried to get him to Mikkeli back then, but the contract fell through. It’s great that we got the guy here now, Jokinen rejoices in the club’s announcement.

According to Jokinen, there is still a lot of room for growth in Puutio – and that is what makes the acquisition particularly interesting.

– Puutio is a young player who is progressing in his career. He has taken huge steps in his overall play. A defender with great potential who wants to advance in his career.

– A young player certainly still has areas to develop. He is a good power play player and brings us movement and speed to the game. His biggest strengths are precisely in puck possession and breakout plays, Jokinen lists.

Puutio, who has represented Ässät for two seasons, has previously played in the league for Kärpät, KalPa, and Pelicans.

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