TPS iski tiskiin huippuhankinnan - Kultaleijona to Turku with a two-year contract

TPS announced on Tuesday the highly anticipated top signing, as it reported that it has signed a two-year contract with defender Niklas Friman, 32, who has also made a name for himself with the Lions.

The 189-centimeter Friman returns to Turku from the Swiss HC Ajoie, where the defender played 32 games this season with stats of 1+2.

TPS’s sports director Mika Suoraniemi sees Friman’s return as a significant reinforcement for the team.

– It’s great to have Nikke back in Turku. He has built a really strong career since his departure and achieved success both in the League and with the national team. From international leagues, he brings us valuable experience.

– Nikke brings leadership and professionalism to our team, and he has played a big role in many places. He is a top person and an excellent team player. It’s always a big deal when a player returns home from abroad – and Nikke still has a lot to give and a strong desire to succeed, Suoraniemi states in the club’s press release.

Friman has won World Championship and Olympic gold wearing the Lions’ jersey. The last time the defender was seen in the League was in the 2024-25 season, when he served as the captain of Ilves.