Jukka Jalonen reveals: NHL position was close – “I was far along in negotiations”
The name of Jukka Jalonen, who has led the Lions to three world championships, was still frequently mentioned in NHL speculation around the turn of the decade.
The 62-year-old successful coach says in the Sunday Brunch podcast that moving to the toughest ice hockey league in the world was a completely realistic option at that time.
– I did have some kind of dream at one point to coach in the NHL. Especially when the Lions were on a good run and we were doing well and winning, Jalonen admits.
The NHL position was ultimately close to materializing. According to Jalonen, negotiations with one team had progressed quite far.
– But then a real, fair opportunity didn’t come. I was far along in negotiations with one team, but it didn’t lead to a conclusion, Jalonen reveals.
Over the years, however, Jalonen began to accept the fact that the NHL door might not open anymore.
– At some point towards the end with the Lions, I thought that if it hasn’t happened by now – considering my age – then they probably won’t ask or want me there anymore.
The thought of coaching in the NHL no longer crosses Jalonen’s mind.
– I don’t have those kinds of thoughts anymore. You never know, but it’s very, very unlikely that suddenly someone would ask and want me for that job, Jalonen admits.
Jalonen’s tenure as the head coach of the Italian national team ended last season.
This season, he serves as an advisor for HPK. Jalonen will next make a new foray into television as he takes over as the host of the Diili program.
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