Superstars and returnees - here are the League's TOP 5 acquisitions!

SuomiKiekko anticipates the upcoming Liiga season by listing the best players from each position. This time, we are focusing on the biggest signings from the summer transfer market.

Liiga teams have strengthened with several top players, and as a result, many big names are missing from this list. Here are our top five player signings for the Liiga super season.

5. Lars Bryggman, TPS

The Swedish giant Lars Bryggman returns to Liiga after a year off. Last season, he won the SHL championship with Skellefteå, scoring 21 points in 47 games with 10 goals and 11 assists. Bryggman is remembered from his time with Pelicans from 2022-25, where he amassed 117 points in 158 games over three seasons. He achieved two silver medals with Pelicans. In his last two Liiga seasons, Bryggman scored 20 goals, and he can be expected to bring that scoring power again, especially in front of the net. He is a winning and leading player who was also part of the leadership group in Lahti.

4. Michael Lindqvist, Tappara

The Swedish forward Michael Lindqvist has played nine seasons in the SHL, finishing with 254 points in 393 games. Last season, Lindqvist scored 25 points in 31 games with Leksand. He has been a strong scorer in his home country, and high expectations are set for him in Liiga as well. Pre-season games have shown that he is a top-class player. Lindqvist will bring a lot of joy to Tappara, especially on the power play.

Having played almost his entire career in his home country, Michael Lindqvist adds even more firepower to Tappara’s strong offense. Photo: All Over Press

3. Teemu Turunen, Jokerit

Teemu Turunen arrived in Finland for family reasons, even though his contract in the SHL would have covered next season as well. Last season, Turunen scored 14 points in 29 games with Örebro. However, he has impressive credentials in Liiga, where he has broken the 50-point barrier in three different seasons. Having represented Kärpät, HIFK, and HPK, Turunen won the goal-scoring title with Kärpät in the 2023-24 season with 30 goals. Turunen is one of the most skilled players in Liiga and can decide tight games. Adding Turunen to Jokerit’s return to Liiga is like the cherry on top of the cake.

2. Harri Pesonen, JYP

Harri Pesonen returns to his youth club after a 14-year break. Although he is already 38 years old, he is still a top player for Liiga. Having played 11 seasons in Switzerland, Pesonen scored 28 points in 45 games last season. He served as captain of SCL Tigers for the last four seasons, highlighting his importance from a leadership perspective. A holder of an Olympic gold medal, two World Championship golds, and two Finnish championships, he is an excellent addition to JYP’s already strong team. With his contribution, Pesonen will be a significant factor in how JYP can improve from last season.

1. Patrick Curry, Jokerit

The American virtuoso Patrick Curry moved to Jokerit after two seasons with KalPa. Curry won the Finnish championship with KalPa and scored a total of 101 points in 104 games, quickly rising among the star players of Liiga. Last season, Curry scored 41 points in 44 games with 18 goals and 23 assists. Curry is an entertaining player who plays with emotion and intensity. Sometimes he can be a bit too much. He has proven his level in tight situations and can help his team in high-stakes games. Curry’s playing style quickly wins over his fans. Expectations for Curry are sky-high in the Liiga super season.