IK Oskarshamn, a top team in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan, will part ways with at least ten players ahead of the upcoming season. Points leader Teemu Lepaus mutually ended his contract on Wednesday, joining a list that includes goal-scorer Herman Träff, who signed with NHL's Anaheim Ducks. Sport director Arsi Piispanen thanked the departing players for their contributions.
IK Oskarshamn announced the departure of key players as it prepares for the next HockeyAllsvenskan campaign. Herman Träff, the team's leading goal scorer, has already signed with the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL and will finish the current season with their AHL affiliate, San Diego Gulls. On Wednesday, the club revealed nine additional exits, bringing the total to at least ten. Among them is Teemu Lepaus, who topped the team's points with 51 (15 goals, 36 assists) over 52 regular-season games. The club and Lepaus reached a mutual decision to terminate his contract early. In a statement on its website, IK Oskarshamn expressed gratitude: “We want to thank ‘Leppy’ for his efforts in IK and the points he delivered. We are proud that Teemu set the record for most points by a Finnish player in HockeyAllsvenskan. Good luck in the future, Teemu!” Other departures include goaltender Olof Glifford, returning to HV71 where he holds a contract; defensemen Victor Johansson, Hugo Jonasson, and Kevin Karlsson; and forwards Hampus Karlsson, Joni Ikonen, Viggo Nordlund—heading back to Skellefteå—and Samuel Salonen. Sport director Arsi Piispanen commented: “We want to thank all players for their efforts in IK. We also wish them luck in their continued careers.” The moves come as Piispanen works to rebuild the squad after a strong regular season.