The Finn who was rejected by the NHL team returns to the SM league

Henri Nikkanen returns from Canada to the SM league. AOP / MIKKO LIERI

NHL club Winnipeg Jets appointed forward Henri Nikkanen unconditional waivers -list, i.e. the club cancels the Finnish player’s contract.

According to Iltalehti, Nikkanen’s playing career continues in Finland.

The player is released unconditional waivers – list on Friday evening Finnish time. Before that, the new club cannot officially sign a contract with the man, or at least inform about it.

The 196-centimeter and 100-kilogram Nikkasen has takers in Finland. The man started his league career in Jukurei and played one season in the League for Pelicans.

However, Nikkanen is not moving to these clubs.

Oulun Kärpät, which is playing poorly, needs reinforcements, as does HIFK, which is struggling with injuries. A few other bigger organizations would also be interested in a good two-way forward.

Nikkanen played in his third season in the Jets organization. Mikkeli’s senior played in the AHL team Manitoba Moose in a total of 140 games and scored 13+19=32 points in them.

NHL games for the large puck player were not blessed.

Nikkanen represented Finland once in the under-20 World Cup tournament.

Where does Pulli go?

The San Jose Sharks ended up with a defenseman Valtteri Pullin with to the same solution. The player himself wanted out of the contract. Thus, the contract of the 198-centimeter Pak is terminated and the man returns to Europe.

Last season, Pulli played 59 games in the AHL in San Jose Barracuda’s jersey with 3+7=10. In the current season, there are two matches under the belt and 0+1 power points.

According to Iltalehti, the 23-year-old from Turku is primarily looking at other leagues in Europe, but is interested in playing for a few clubs in the SM league. TPS is probably one of them.

Pulli has played in the A national team.