This is how the Jokerit League team was built - two features stood out in player acquisitions

Jokerit returns to Liiga for the 2026-27 season after spending three seasons in Mestiksen and eight in KHL.

The transition from Mestiksen to Liiga level has required significant efforts. In a short time, Jokerit had to build a top-tier team.

Jokerit’s sports director Olli-Pekka Yrjänheikki told SuomiKiekko in an interview how the Liiga team was assembled surprisingly quickly.

– When we got the news in December that we would be allowed into Liiga, the first 6-7 weeks were intense work. There was a huge number of lists with a vast number of players. We then ranked them down with the coaching staff and our other personnel. Then we made decisions by position about who we would try to pursue first, Yrjänheikki explains.

Jokerit’s team has acquired many star players from other Liiga clubs. However, player selections were not made solely based on statistical scouting.

– We always interview the player we want with Tomek [head coach Tomek Valtonen]. Once the interview is done, we make a decision on whether to make an offer.

The workload was substantial, but the core of Jokerit’s Liiga team was ready in just over a month.

– After that, only individual acquisitions have been made throughout the spring and early summer. We decided to wait and see what happens in North America by early July. That’s why we got the last two defensemen in mid-July, Yrjänheikki says.

What was the philosophy behind the team building? What kind of players did Jokerit want?

– We wanted to find players who are skating strong and who play with a “team first” mentality. We wanted to avoid risks and find players who have proven through their skills and character that they are winning players for the SM-liiga, Yrjänheikki explains.

Two aspects were particularly emphasized in building the team.

– Character is the most important thing, and the desire to advance in their careers. Most of our players are in their prime, aged 23-28. We have a really good age distribution.

From the market, Jokerit sought already established star players. Opportunities were given to players who had previously played for the club, such as Miks Tumanovs, 25, Riku Tuomola, 23, Alexander Forslund, 24, and Rasmus Lahnaviik, 24.

As it stands, there are no new reinforcements being pursued for the team.

– According to this information, this group will start the Liiga season. Never say never, injuries can always happen, hopefully not, but as it stands, we will go with this, Yrjänheikki says.

There is no intention to look at any position to see how it goes; instead, Yrjänheikki is satisfied with the current roster.

– If it turns out that a certain area needs reinforcement, that is a different matter. According to current information, there is no need, Yrjänheikki states.

What about the budget? Is there still room for additional acquisitions?

– A little, yes.