From Ilves Tampere - EHC Kloten signs defender Sami Niku

EHC Kloten team manager Ricardo Schödler describes Sami Niku as a mobile and offensive defender: "Sami is a great skater and offensive defenseman. He will be able to help us especially to improve our power play. He also brings a lot of international experience to Kloten." Niku is the fifth import under contract with Kloten in the upcoming season, the other four being all forwards.

Niku started last season with JYP and then joined league rivals Ilves Tampere in January, collecting 50 points (13 goals) in 58 games, the most by any defender in the Liiga. From 2017 to 2022, Niku tried his luck overseas in the organizations of the Winnipeg Jets and later of the Montreal Canadiens, putting up 16 points in 67 NHL games and 107 points in 174 AHL games.