Sami Niku leaves Switzerland – new club confirmed: “Fits the profile perfectly”
Sami Niku, 29, is moving from the Swiss league to Sweden’s SHL. The Swedish club Linköping HC announced late Monday that they have signed the Finnish star defenseman to a two-year contract.
Niku is transferring to Linköping from Lausanne, which plays in the Swiss top league. The skilled puck-moving defenseman played 50 regular season games in Switzerland last season, recording stats of 8+16=24.
The realization of Niku’s acquisition also required external assistance for Linköping. The Swedish club received funding from outside sources for the transfer.
– We are very pleased to welcome Sami to Linköping. We wanted to strengthen our defense with a player who is strong at both ends of the rink. Sami fits this profile perfectly, Linköping’s sports director Broc Little commented in the club’s press release.
Little particularly highlighted the Finnish player’s versatility.
– He is a complete defenseman who is good in the offensive zone, a good skater, and calm with the puck. He brings a lot of experience and complements our group excellently.
Linköping is looking for a clear change in direction for the upcoming season. Last season ended in bitter disappointment for the club, as they finished 11th in the SHL regular season and missed the playoffs.
Niku’s arrival will further increase Linköping’s Finnish contingent. The team will also feature goaltender Waltteri Ignatjew, defenseman Mikko Kokkonen, and forward Samu Tuomaala in the upcoming season.
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