THF: A prominent player available for the Joker's net

The Helsinki Jokerit have encountered a problem right at the start of the SM-liiga season that was certainly not wanted.

The team’s goaltending situation has quickly become a topic of discussion, as Veini Vehviläinen and Olle Eriksson Ek have not convinced in the opening rounds.

Ilta-Sanomat Touru&Hoffren Forever podcast discusses the Jokerit situation in a recent episode. Sami Hoffrén believes that the club may have to make quick decisions.

– The goaltending crisis is now on. That’s quite clear. If I had to guess, I believe the Jokerit will first acquire a goaltender and then look at Tomek Valtonen‘s situation, Sami Hoffrén says.

Hoffrén also brings up the NHL training camps. As they begin, new options may emerge in the goaltending market.

– The NHL training camps are starting now. Goaltenders will be released, and the Jokerit have the wallet to buy. But will there be enough time?

A rather surprising name has also been mentioned as a possible temporary solution for the Jokerit.

It is Niko Hovinen, 38, who played for HIFK in recent years.

Hovinen is a product of the Jokerit youth system. He ended his career last spring, but according to Ville Touru, the goaltender has not officially announced his retirement.

– One temporary fix could be “Pappi” Hovinen. A product of the Jokerit youth system. Hovinen actually ended his career last spring, but he hasn’t officially retired, Touru says.

Hovinen has also not completely let himself fall out of playing shape.

– He has been practicing on the ice with unemployed and NHL players and keeping himself in shape. Could there be a short-term position with the Jokerit until more goaltenders are released from the NHL camps?