Växjö Lakers Forward Joins Finnish Club in Major Transfer Move

Finnish forward Eemeli Suomi is leaving the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) after two seasons, with reports indicating he is in advanced discussions with a top Finnish club. The 30-year-old forward, who joined Växjö in May 2025 on a three-year contract, will depart the Swedish side ahead of the 2026/27 season as the Lakers undergo a roster overhaul.

Departure Confirmed by Växjö Lakers

The Växjö Lakers officially announced Suomi’s departure on Monday, April 27, 2026, thanking him for his contributions to the club. In a statement published on their website, the Lakers wrote: Tack för er tid hos oss (“Thank you for your time with us”), confirming that Suomi will not return for the final year of his contract.

Suomi, who previously spent his entire professional career with Ilves in Finland’s Liiga, joined Växjö as part of a high-profile rebuild under sports director Henrik Evertsson. At the time of his signing, Evertsson praised Suomi as an all-round smart player who makes a difference in all aspects of the game, highlighting his leadership and scoring ability.

Suomi’s Impact in Växjö

During his two seasons with the Lakers, Suomi established himself as a key offensive player in the SHL. Over 104 regular-season games, he recorded 68 points (24 goals, 44 assists), including a standout 2025/26 campaign where he finished as the team’s second-leading scorer with 38 points in 52 games. His experience and playmaking were instrumental in Växjö’s playoff run last season, where the team reached the SHL quarterfinals before falling to Luleå HF.

Suomi’s departure is part of a broader roster reset for Växjö, which has already bid farewell to five players ahead of the 2026/27 season. The Lakers, who finished eighth in the SHL last season, are expected to continue rebuilding under Evertsson’s leadership.

Link to Finnish Storklubb

According to Hockeysverige.se, Suomi is in advanced negotiations with a major Finnish club, widely speculated to be his former team, Ilves. The report suggests that Suomi’s decision to return to Finland was influenced by a desire to reconnect with familiar surroundings and take on a leadership role in Liiga. Neither Suomi nor Ilves have officially confirmed the move, but sources indicate a deal could be finalized in the coming days.

If the transfer is completed, Suomi would return to Ilves after an 11-year tenure with the club, where he served as captain for seven seasons and amassed 395 points in 525 Liiga games. His leadership and offensive production would provide a significant boost to Ilves, who finished fifth in the Liiga standings last season.

What’s Next for Suomi and Växjö?

For Suomi, a return to Finland would mark the end of his brief but impactful stint in the SHL. His experience in Sweden has further developed his two-way game, making him an even more valuable asset for any Liiga team. If he rejoins Ilves, he would likely resume a leadership role, potentially as captain, given his history with the club.

Meanwhile, Växjö’s offseason continues to take shape. The Lakers have already signed several new players, including forward Otto Koivula, who joined from the New York Islanders organization in 2024. With Suomi’s departure, Växjö will look to fill the void in their top six forwards, either through free agency or by promoting younger talent from their system.

The SHL transfer window remains open until mid-May, leaving time for both Suomi and Växjö to finalize their plans for next season. Fans of both clubs will be watching closely as the situation develops in the coming weeks.