Liiga rumors: Did Kärpät make the biggest heist of the transfer market?

In the league-provocateur series, three sharp statements about the domestic top league are presented weekly. In these opinions, the curves are straightened without hesitation, and no mercy is given or hostages taken. This time, the spotlight is on SaiPa, KalPa, and Imatran Ketterä.

Did Kärpät make the biggest heist of the transfer market?

KalPa’s forwards Andreas Okany and Konsta Kapanen have been dazzling in the playoffs. Both players bring an incredible amount of energy to every shift, and the duo stands out almost every time they are on the ice.

This energy has also been reflected in the points column. Okany has scored 2+5 in eight games, while Kapanen has 2+3.

Interestingly, both players’ contracts expire at the end of this season. According to rumors, Oulun Kärpät may have already made an agreement with Okany well in advance, which could very well be the biggest heist of the transfer market. If Okany were to sign a contract now based on his playoff performances, the price tag would be very different.

Kapanen, on the other hand, has been rumored to be heading to Lahti Pelicans and various other places, but it seems he will continue with KalPa next season as well.

Andreas Okany is a familiar player to Kärpät’s head coach Petri Karjalainen. Photo: All Over Press

Raipen’s bold decision was rewarded

As the playoffs began, SaiPa faced a significant dilemma. Starting goalie Kari Piiroinen had been injured for a long time. Gustavs Grigals and emergency backup Tomi Karhunen had performed adequately, but neither had impressed.

In a similar situation, many coaches would have opted to play two goalies in the playoffs, either finding a number one goalie or continuing with a tandem until the end. But not Helmisen Raipe. Raimo Helminen put his hottest goalie, Tomi Karhunen, between the posts and has stuck with him.

The decision was brilliant. The responsibility and trust are evident in Karhunen’s performances. The experienced goalie is playing the best hockey he has in years.

At this point, many might argue that Karhunen was the obvious choice for goalie in the playoffs. After all, Karhunen has shown in his previous career that he is at his best in decisive games. However, it has been some time since those moments. Before the spring games, Karhunen had a decent regular season with SaiPa, a poor stint with HPK, and a tough season with Kärpät. Helminen’s choice required exceptional courage.

Especially since the playoff series against Ässät has been very tight, and even one easy goal can change everything.

So far, Karhunen has been the biggest individual surprise of the playoffs. He has played three games with a save percentage of 94.1. He has stopped 1.47 more goals per game than expected. Only KooKoo’s Eetu Randelin has performed better.

Tomi Karhunen has been one of the driving forces for SaiPa in the playoffs. Photo: All Over Press

Imatran Ketterä doesn’t have the resources

Imatran Ketterä unexpectedly announced that they are seeking a place in the Liiga for the 2026-27 season. It’s surprising because Ketterä has no hope of securing a spot for themselves. It’s merely a gesture.

Ketterä’s biggest problem is an insufficient home arena. The capacity of OmaSP Arena is 1300 seats. It does not meet the Liiga’s requirements, and thousands of seats cannot be conjured out of thin air.

Many would surely like to see Ketterä in the Liiga. The charming little club would bring its own flavor to the Liiga’s super season.

However, logically, it is best for Ketterä to remain in the Mestis league. Ketterä would have very little time to assemble a Liiga team. The task would be practically impossible with a negligible budget and a small organization.

In the Liiga, Ketterä would be a point machine and a punching bag. In that role, the appeal of the small charming club would quickly wear off.