Now it has hit the Jokers – three star acquisitions to the stands

The Jokerit have made a surprising decision regarding their lineup.

Tomek Valtosen‘s crew will be missing star acquisitions Matt Caito and Maxime Fortier in Friday’s match.

The decision is particularly surprising in Fortier’s case. The forward has performed decently at the start of the season, recording 1+3 points in five games.

The situation is different for Caito. The Canadian, acquired as a leading puck-moving defenseman, has played four games with 0+2 points, but his performances have been rather subdued so far.

Also, summer acquisition Valtteri Pulli is out of the lineup.

In Caito’s place, Oliver Larsen has been promoted to the top defensive pair, playing alongside Aleksi Elorinne.

New forwards Jesse Liuksiala and Miro Nalli have been brought up to the lineup. In goal for Jokerit continues to be Tomi Karhunen.

The start of the season for Jokerit has been bleak. The team has lost all five of its games this season and is at the bottom of the league standings.

In their last match, Jokerit suffered a harsh defeat to Tappara, losing 0–6.

Jokerit’s lines against Pelicans:

Line 1: Emil Kuusla – Patrik Virta – Patrick Curry – Aleksi Elorinne – Oliver Larsen

Line 2: Markus Hännikäinen – Henri Nikkanen – Eetu Tuulola – Riku Tuomola – Miks Tumanovs

Line 3: Alexander Forslund – Aleksi Mustonen – Antti Kalapudas – Saku Forsblom – Max Krogdahl

Line 4: Oskari Manninen – Jere Henriksson – Jesse Liuksiala – Miro Nalli – Bruno Kallio

Goalies: Tomi Karhunen and Veini Vehviläinen.

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