Jokerit returns to Finnish SM-liiga with star-studded offense, defense questioned

Helsinki's Jokerit is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Finnish SM-liiga ice hockey league after a 12-year hiatus, immediately positioning itself as a team to watch. The club has signaled its serious intentions by making substantial investments, including a player budget that ranks among the league's highest.

Jokerit has aggressively recruited talent, assembling a roster featuring numerous proven star players. Expert Topi Nättinen of Sanoma highlighted the team's strong offensive potential, noting that its top nine forwards can rival any in the league. Key acquisitions include Teemu Turunen, who returns to the league after leading the SM-liiga in goals in the 2023-24 season, Patrick Curry, and Maxime Fortier, all acquired from SaiPa, a team that has recently seen significant player turnover.

“

The team has been built over the long term. The first phase of construction in the winter was very strong, when they acquired players like Patrick Curry and from SaiPa. Then came the July acquisition wave, when Teemu Turunen landed with them, and Matt Caito arrived on defense. Looking at this team on paper, the top nine forwards can stand comparison with any SM-liiga team.

"The team has been built over the long term. The first phase of construction in the winter was very strong, when they acquired players like Patrick Curry and from SaiPa," Nättinen commented. "Then came the July acquisition wave, when Teemu Turunen landed with them, and Matt Caito arrived on defense. Looking at this team on paper, the top nine forwards can stand comparison with any SM-liiga team."

“

The entire package looks very much like Jokerit: the money has been spent on individual skill and high-profile players. Something had to be saved on, for the top of the offense to be this strong.

While the offense is lauded for its star power and individual skill, Nättinen points to the defense as the team's biggest question mark. Although it boasts solid defensive players like Valtteri Pulli, Max Krogdahl, Olli Juolevi, Oliver Larsen, and Aleksi Elorinne, its offensive contribution remains uncertain. Caito is expected to be a point-scorer, but his performance last season in the SHL was challenging.

Nättinen observed that the team's spending reflects the Jokerit brand, which emphasizes flair, skill, and an attacking style. "When you think of the Jokerit brand – and I'm not talking about the past spending of Jari Kurri or Harry Harkimo, although the comparison is understandable – Jokerit's identity includes showmanship, cunning, offensive play, and courage. That is also reflected in this team. The offense has clearly been prioritized," he said.

“

When you think of the Jokerit brand – and I'm not talking about the past spending of Jari Kurri or Harry Harkimo, although the comparison is understandable – Jokerit's identity includes showmanship, cunning, offensive play, and courage. That is also reflected in this team. The offense has clearly been prioritized.