Ben Tardif, a 25-year-old Canadian forward, has officially joined Luleå after requesting a transfer from Kärpät. The move comes after discussions reported by multiple outlets, with Tardif signing a contract covering this season and the next. Luleå's general manager praised the addition as a skilled skater and goal scorer.
The transfer of Ben Tardif to Luleå was confirmed following weeks of negotiations, as reported by Hockeynews, Expressen, and NSD. Tardif, who has been with Kärpät since last season, expressed dissatisfaction and requested to leave the club despite being one of its standout performers in a struggling team.
Last season, the 25-year-old Canadian tallied an impressive 45 points. This season, he has recorded 14 points in 20 games, remaining a bright spot amid Kärpät's inconsistencies. Initial talks involved a potential trade, but Luleå declined that option. Tardif was willing to accept a pay cut to facilitate the move, and Örebro briefly entered the discussions before the deal was finalized between Luleå and Kärpät.
The agreement includes a transfer fee of approximately 100,000 euros, with Tardif set to sign a two-year contract. Luleå general manager Thomas Fröberg commented on the club's website: “Ben är en kvick och bra skridskoåkare som dessutom visat sig vara en bra målskytt under sin hockeykarriär, så det känns som att han kommer passa in bra i det sätt som vi vill spela och att kommer addera lite av det som vi saknat under delar av säsongsinledningen.”
This acquisition addresses gaps in Luleå's lineup early in the season, bringing in a proven scorer to bolster their attack.