Finnish left winger Jere Innala, 27, has signed a one-year contract to return to play with Frölunda Gothenburg, the SHL club announced on Thursday. Prior to playing last season in the Colorado Avalanche organization, Innala played the previous two seasons in Gothenburg.

“I had 17 games in the NHL. It’s fun to have played them, but now I want to play for Frölunda again. I enjoyed the club, the city and the fans,” said Innala, who added, “I’m a year older, have gained more experience and am a little stronger after playing on a small rink.”

“Jere’s dream was to give it a chance and play in the NHL and now he’s done it,” said Frölunda sports director Fredrik Sjöström. “We’re happy that he’s back.”

Originally from Hauho, Finland, Innala turned pro with HPK, recording 200 points in 315 Liiga regular-season and playoff games. He was a member of HPK’s surprising Liiga championship team in 2018-19. Then in two seasons with Frölunda, Innala had 74 points in 118 SHL regular-season and playoff games.

At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Innala was never drafted by an NHL team but signed as a free agent with Colorado last summer. In 17 games with the Avs, he had no points, two penalty minutes and was a minus-3. He played the rest of the season for the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, recording 28 points in 43 games.

Internationally, Innala has represented Finland in three IIHF World Championships, winning a silver medal in 2021 and a gold at home in Tampere in 2022.

Frölunda has been a contender in the SHL for quite a while but has been knocked out in the semifinals the last four seasons straight. Other former NHLers under contract include Christian Folin, Jacob Peterson and Arttu Ruotsalainen.

Photo © Rob Gray-Imagn Images: Colorado Avalanche left wing Jere Innala (22) moves the puck against Utah Hockey Club center Nick Schmaltz (8) during the 2024-25 season. 

Arttu Ruotsalainen not out of work long A day after he <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/radim-zohorna-signs-with-lugano">agreed to terminate his contract in Switzerland with Lugano</a> a season early, Arttu Ruotsalainen has found a new home. The 26-year-old Finnish forward has signed a one-year contract with Frölunda HC, <a href="https://www.frolundahockey.com/article/v3gasge-24601/view">the SHL club announced on Friday</a>.