Jokerit withdraws from KHL playoffs; jerseys and banners being removed from Russian-owned arena
Jokerit Helsinki, the only Finnish team playing in the KHL, has officially withdrawn from the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The post season is scheduled to begin on March 1st.
"In the current world situation, it would be impossible to continue the season," said Jari Kurri, Chairman of the team's Board of Directors.
"In accordance with the rules of the KHL, we had a dialogue and were able to announce the decision just now. The world is in a very difficult situation. We sympathize with those who are suffering under the circumstances. We hope that a solution will be found soon," Kurri continued.
This decision is, of course, based on Russia's decision to invade Ukraine. Finland has long had its own issues with Russia and the former Soviet Union. It comes after a major sponsor pulled out of its deal with Jokerit due to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Finnish Hockey Association has said it's in the process of removing all retired jerseys and Championship banners from Jokerit's home stadium, Hartwall Arena, which is owned by a Russian company. A future location for the memorabilia will be decided at a later date.
While Jokerit hasn't yet announced plans for next season, there is a possibility for a return to the Finnish Elite League. The team made the jump to the KHL in 2014. Meanwhile, there is word out of Finland that Jokerit players are being offered to team's in SM-Liiga as they finish out their season.
Source: Sports24.ru
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Mikko Rantanen | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Jake Debrusk | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Dylan Guenther | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Jack Eichel | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Brock Nelson | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Valeri Nichushkin | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Clayton Keller | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Jonathan Drouin | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Roman Josi | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Kirill Marchenko | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Kyle Palmieri | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Sebastian Aho | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Rasmus Dahlin | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Leon Draisaitl | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Matt Duchene | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Samuel Girard | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Claude Giroux | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Oliver Kylington | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 20 | 17 | 3 | - | 34 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||