Juhamatti Aaltonen, 40, who ended his playing career last season, reveals in a recent Urheilucast episode that he was once close to moving to the NHL during his career.

The artistically skilled forward played in practically all of Europe’s top leagues during his career. However, his career in North America remained unexperienced, although there were some attempts to cross the pond.

– The only time (the NHL contract) was close was when I went to Russia. There were negotiations with Dallas. It would have been a two-way, two-year deal, Aaltonen recalls discussions held with the Stars around the spring 2010 World Championships.

Ultimately, Aaltonen ended up with KHL team Metallurg Magnitogorsk for the next two seasons, where the forward, who celebrated World Championship gold the following spring, played two effective seasons before moving to the SHL.

LUE MYÖS:

Read more