Juuso Välimäki was briefly set to join Brynäs in the SHL before a late reversal sent him back to the NHL. The move leaves the club without the offensive defenseman it had targeted.
Välimäki, who has played nearly 300 NHL games and recently posted strong numbers in the AHL playoffs with the Chicago Wolves, had been close to signing. The agreement fell apart within hours, according to the report.
Brynäs already features right-shot defenseman Kinnvall and had hoped Välimäki would add another power-play option from the left side. Last season the club sought similar offensive production from Kempný without full success.
Club officials must now resume their search for a replacement. General manager Johan Alcén is expected to spend considerable time scouting available players, though few of Välimäki’s caliber remain on the market.
The setback compounds earlier losses, including the departure of Christian Djoos, and leaves Brynäs needing additional offensive contributions from its current roster heading into the season.
