Montreal Canadiens: Joni Ikonen Leaves Frölunda HC For KalPA
Montreal Canadiens 2017 second round pick Joni Ikonen has decided to play in Finland after previously playing in the SHL.
If Montreal Canadiens fans want to see prospect Joni Ikonen play, they’ll have to watch him on a different team. There was buzz the past couple of days that Ikonen would be leaving Frölunda for KalPA, Liiga. These rumours are now confirmed as the young Finn will be moving on from the SHL.
@KalPa_Hockey confirms that #Habs prospect Joni Ikonen has joined organization in Finnish Elite League @Allhabs https://t.co/30KeEQHLta https://t.co/wJ1rF8YRov
— Blain (@BlainPotvin_THW) July 19, 2017
The story behind the move was that Ikonen had been playing on the two junior affiliates of Frölunda (J20 and J18) for the past two seasons and wanted priority in the event of a call-up to the main team. It was not only Ikonen, but according to a post by John Rylander, Canadiens’ management also wanted him to be playing in a men’s league.
Frölunda rejected this pitch, and now the 18-year-old is off to Finland. KalPA CEO Toni Saksman said on the team’s site that:
The information that the icon wanted to return to Finland came as a surprise, but of course we were very interested (translated)
Ikonen was expected to have a breakout season next year after putting up 41 points in 40 games with the U20 team. He also played in 10 games with the main club where he went pointless. The fact that Habs management would also want Ikonen against tougher competition could speak to how they feel about him.
Ikonen will be joining a KalPA team that finished third in the league. The young forward may be an effective boost who can help them get further in the playoffs.
With that being said, Habs management will have their eyes on him. If Ikonen excels with his new team in a men’s league, his transition to North America could happen sooner than later. It may be a matter of time before fans see him with the Laval Rocket.
Next: Free Agent Signings: Matt Taormina
What do you make of this latest prospect news? Are you excited to catch Ikonen on a new team? Will it be much longer before he plays here in North America? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!