Timrå IK interest in Finnish forward Henri Nikkanen, Digi Mart USA News: Timrå IK is reportedly interested in Finnish forward Henri Nikkanen, who plays for Jokerit, according to Expressen, which cites reliable sources. The report comes as the Swedish Hockey League club prepares its roster for next season after nine players with expiring contracts.
In October, Timrå sporting director Kent Norberg traveled to Finland to scout players. The club is currently ninth in the standings despite being picked to finish at the bottom before the season began, and it has collected points when needed so far this season.
Nikkanen, who was drafted by Timrå, had a productive season last year with SaiPa in Finland after failing to win a place with the club that drafted him. He was also named to the Finnish national team for the Finland Hockey Games warm-up tournament ahead of the World Championship last season.
His production has dropped this season, with eight points in 14 games. Jokerit has also underperformed and risks relegation from Liiga, the top Finnish league.
Jokerit returned to the top flight before this season for the first time since moving to the KHL in 2014/15. Nikkanen signed a two-year contract with the club at that time, but the second year is void if Jokerit is relegated, which would make a transfer possible.
The report says a move could happen even now if a suitable offer is made.
Swedish goaltender Olle Eriksson Ek, a teammate of Nikkanen at Jokerit, has not had the start to the season he hoped for at his new club. He was injured in his third game of the season and has not played since.
Jokerit has not said when Eriksson Ek is expected to return to the lineup.
