Former Avalanche forward makes a shocking and unexpected career move
Photo credit: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images
Colorado Avalanche pending UFA winger Jere Innala has decided to not re-sign with Colorado and will return to Frölunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League.
Innala will remain under contract through the 2025-26 season, according to a team announcement.
Former Avalanche forward makes a shocking career move.
Josh Erickson from Pro Hockey Rumors writes that Innala, 27, originally joined Frölunda for the 2022-23 season, where he recorded 26 goals and 28 assists for 54 points in 94 games. He also impressed with 11 goals in just 14 playoff games in 2024, which helped earn him an entry-level deal with Colorado as an international free agent last summer.
"The 5'9″ Finn got a fair amount of reps with the big club, particularly mid-season when injuries ravaged their forward group. But despite making 17 appearances, he never got on the scoresheet and averaged just 7:09 per game with a minus-three rating. He managed eight shots on goal, and the Avs were outchanced 42-39 when he was on the ice at 5-on-5." -Erickson
Innala spent a significant part of the season in the AHL with Colorado's affiliate, where he was a reliable offensive contributor, though not a standout. He tallied 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 43 games; numbers that may end up being the only AHL stats of his professional career.
"After failing to lock down an NHL job, it wouldn't be surprising to see Innala remain in Europe for the remainder of his career. Doing so would provide him more opportunities to play internationally, where he's won a gold and silver medal for Finland at the World Championships in the past few years. He also won a Liiga title with HPK back in 2019." -Erickson
Due to the AHL's player development rule, the Eagles decided to sit Innala during their playoff run in favour of more experienced players. While his 387 professional games in Europe brought valuable experience, coach Schneekloth is opting to rely on seasoned veterans. As a result, Innala has not appeared in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 32 ANSWERS Former Avalanche forward makes a shocking and unexpected career move Do you think former Avalanche player Jere Innala still has future in the NHL someday? | ||
| yes | 14 | 43.8 % |
| no | 18 | 56.3 % |
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