Henrik Haapala joins HC Lugano from the organization of the NHL's Florida Panthers. As the club writes in their press release, this addition is due to the uncertainty about Klasen's comeback and the fact that Lugano has 14 games to play in the next four weeks.
In 2017, Haapala signed a two-year Entry Level contract with Florida. The 24-year-old suited up five times (one assist) for the Panthers last season but mainly played for their AHL-affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds (three goals, five assists in 20 games). At the end of the season and during playoffs, the forward suited up on loan for Tappara Tampere in the Finnish Liiga (six goals, eleven assists in 19 games). Tappara was also the team he played for before going overseas. He made his Liiga-debut for them during the 2011-2012 season.
The Finn is expected to arrive in Lugano in the next few days and undergo a medical check next week. He will be the Bianconeri's fifth import player.
Last Update: 05 October 2018, 10:25 AM | esi
