Brynäs strengthens its goalkeeper lineup for the upcoming SHL season.
24-year-old Veini Vehviläinen has today been presented as the club's latest signing.
The Finn has signed a one-year contract.
- I was stuck in North America without a real opportunity to show my potential at NHL level so it felt great when Brynäs showed interest in me, he says to the club's website.
In March, he made his NHL debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At a disadvantage 0-4 against Dallas, he had to jump into the final eleven minutes of the last period.
On four shots, he let in one from Radek Faksa in a power play for the Blue Jackets.
Six days later, he was traded to Toronto, where he won the AHL game in the spring and in four games he got a save percentage of 90.8.
Reunited with coach
Two years ago, he was part of Finland's gold squad that won the World Cup.
- Veini is really ambitious and competition-oriented.
One of his best qualities is his mental strength to be the best when it really matters, says Brynäs' new coach Mikko Manner.
He and Vehviläinen are reunited, Manner was the coach for the goalkeeper in Kärpät for two seasons, one - 2018/2019 - won the Finnish league.
The SHL season 2021/2022 begins on the eleventh of September, in the opening match Brynäs will face Frölunda.