Search for the Super Striker
Finland star blocks the Swiss market
Many National League teams are still looking for one or two foreigners. However, a sought-following player is blocking the market. It is Teemu Hartikainen.
With the increase in the number of foreign players from four to six players per team, the market for import players has changed significantly within a few months. Some teams are still searching for an undiscovered gem. These include Servette, Lausanne, Fribourg, Ajoie, Bern (if the Bears can get rid of Kaspars Daugavins), the ZSC Lions and Ambri.
The war in Ukraine led to the massive dropping out of regarding 100 Finnish and Swedish KHL players – an exciting summer bazaar was the result. Because many teams are looking for the same profile: a solid striker who can make the difference on offense without failing on defense. Is that easy with the abundance of players out there? Not really.
NL-Klubs jagen Hartikainen
Teemu Hartikainen (32) is one of the few who corresponds to what the Swiss clubs are looking for in every respect. And the 32-year-old Finnish winger is in demand because of it and because the Olympic and world champion hasn’t decided where he wants to go yet, he’s bringing almost the entire Swiss market to a standstill. According to Blick information, four clubs have worked hard for Teemu Hartikainen: Servette, the ZSC Lions, Lausanne and Fribourg. Christian Dubé, Sports Director of the Drachen, confirmed: “Your information is correct. But I can already tell you that it won’t be possible for us.”
The others, on the other hand, are waiting for the decision of the former Salavat Yulaev Ufa player. There Hartikainen collected 419 points in 561 games. He was the top scorer in the 2019 playoffs and the most productive foreigner in the 2020-2021 season with 64 points. That statistic alone is enough to understand why expectations of him are so high. And why several clubs are willing to wait a very long time hoping to sign him. This situation might continue for a few more weeks. With it the uncertainties on the transfer market. In August, the teams will be back on the ice.
