Oulu Kärpät has signed a two-year player contract with forward Samuli Ratinen, 28.

Ratinen has previously played for JYP, KooKoo, and Ilves. He made his debut in the Liiga while playing for JYP in the 2017–2018 season.

At Ilves, Ratinen won SM bronze in the 2024–2025 season. In the last season 2025–2026, he achieved his career-best points in the Liiga: 9+18=27.

Ilves and Ratinen mutually agreed to terminate their contract earlier this week.

Kärpät’s sports director Kimmo Kapanen states that the player brings versatility to the team.

– Samuli is a strong two-way forward who can play versatile roles. He is a reliable and diligent player, and we have strong faith that we can help him take the next step in scoring as well, Kapanen says in a statement.

Ratinen himself looks forward to the move to Oulu with good feelings.

– I am coming to Oulu with very good vibes! I want to bring versatility and speed to the team’s offense. Moving to Kärpät felt like the right decision for my career, and I believe that the upcoming seasons will provide a great opportunity to continue developing as a player, he says.

He believes that the upcoming season will add value to the entire league.

– I believe the upcoming super season will be good for the Liiga and add excitement right from the start of the season!, Ratinen continues.

Oulun Kärpät

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Samuli Ratinen siirtyy Oulun Kärppiin kaksivuotisella sopimuksella! 💛🖤

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