The league's power defender has a tough start in new surroundings: "I'm trying to think positively for my mental health"

Finnish defender Otto Leskinen, 28, left the Liiga behind and moved to Sweden. In May, he signed a two-year contract with Luleå HF.

Leskinen was injured at the end of the last season while with Tappara, and his season ended in the opening round of the playoffs. It was already known in connection with Leskinen’s SHL transfer that he would be sidelined at the beginning of the season.

The SHL season starts at the end of next week. However, Leskinen, who underwent knee surgery, will not be able to hit the ice for months.

– Some days are harder than others, but it is what it is. I try to think positively for the sake of my mental health, Leskinen says according to Hockeynews.se: Piteå-Tidningenille.

Leskinen has spent most of his time in the gym, where the exercise bike has become very familiar.

– It’s not the most fun thing I know, Leskinen says.

Leskinen praises Luleå’s strength coach, who has helped him a lot by making the workouts as interesting as possible. Leskinen reports that his condition is improving day by day, and he hopes to get back on the ice soon.

Leskinen represented Tappara for the last two seasons. Last season, he recorded 52 games with a scoring record of 9+29=38. Leskinen has won the Finnish championship twice with Tappara.

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SHL | 26.10.2026 17:29