Samu Tuomaala has signed a two-year contract with Linköping HC (LHC) ahead of the upcoming Swedish Hockey League (SHL) season, according to official club announcements and reports from Expressen. The 23-year-old Finnish forward joins the SHL club from the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL), completing a roster build that sports director Broc Little describes as the final piece of the puzzle.
Samu Tuomaala Joins Linköping HC on a Two-Year Deal
Linköping has secured the rights to the right-handed forward following a thorough medical examination, clearing him for full training ahead of a September arrival in Sweden. According to Broc Little, quoted in club channels and reported by Expressen, the organization views Tuomaala as a player whose best years lie ahead. The sports director highlighted the forward’s speed, heavy shot, and ability to contribute effectively on the power play.
“We are very happy to welcome Samu to LHC on a two-year contract,” Broc Little stated in club channels. “With Samu, we get another right-handed forward with good speed and a really good shot. He gives us more options on the power play and fits well into the hockey we want to play.”
Background in the AHL and Finnish Liiga
Tuomaala was drafted in the second round, 46th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2021 NHL Draft after beginning his career in Finland with Kiekko-Laser and Kärpät. He made his Liiga debut as a 17-year-old before spending subsequent seasons on loan with Kärpät, Sport, and Jukurit, followed by a productive stint at Ketterä where he recorded 46 points in 29 games during the 2022-23 season. Over the past three seasons, he has played in the AHL, primarily with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms before a trade moved him to the Texas Stars within the Dallas Stars organization. With the Texas Stars, he contributed 10 points in 16 games, bringing his career AHL totals to 85 points across 136 games, according to club data.
“As a player, my strengths are my shot and my skating,” Tuomaala said in club statements. “I always try to get to areas where I can threaten and score goals. I am also good on the power play. What I know about the SHL is that it is a league where all teams work very hard and there is a lot of skating in every game.”
Did you know? Samu Tuomaala mentioned that former teammate Cooper Marody shared positive impressions of team culture, while also expressing enthusiasm for Linköping’s traditional arena intro song, “Square Hammer.”
SHL Season Outlook and Match Details
The upcoming SHL regular season is scheduled to begin on September 19, with Linköping facing Timrå in their opening fixture, as noted by Expressen. Tuomaala arrives in Linköping following a previous season that was largely impacted by an injury, but having successfully passed medical evaluations, he is fully available for team preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team is Samu Tuomaala joining?
Samu Tuomaala has signed a two-year contract with Linköping HC (LHC) in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Where did Tuomaala play previously?
He played in North America for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Texas Stars in the AHL, as well as several clubs in the Finnish Liiga.
When does the SHL season start for Linköping?
The SHL season begins on September 19, with Linköping scheduled to play Timrå in their opening match.
What are Tuomaala’s primary strengths as a player?
According to club statements, his key assets include his skating speed, scoring shot, and power-play utility.
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