Finnish defender Sami Niku is close to transferring to SHL club Linköping.

The matter is reported by the Swedish newspaper Expressen, which states that Niku and the sports management of Linköping met quietly last weekend regarding the issue.

The 29-year-old Niku still has a valid contract with Lausanne, but according to Expressen’s information, the Swiss club would be willing to release the Finnish defender from his contract without a transfer fee.

Niku played 50 regular season games on Lausanne’s blue line last season and recorded 8+16=24 points. In the previous season, he represented Kloten, where he achieved an impressive 5+25=30 points in 52 games.

Also known from the Lions, Niku has played 67 NHL games in his career. In Finland, he was last seen in the 2023–24 season, when the skilled defender represented both JYP and Ilves.

A potential transfer to Linköping would be Niku’s first position in Sweden. For the SHL club, it would also be a significant reinforcement, as Niku is known as a skilled puck-moving and offensively powerful defender.

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