Hockeysverige reports that Joona Luoto is leaving HV71 to move to Finland next season, with Expressen indicating Tappara appears to be his next destination. Luoto is from Tampere and was developed in Tappara, last representing the club in the 2021/22 season when they became champions. However, according to Hockeysverige, Ilkka Larva described that Luoto has not decided on any club for next season, but Finland is ruled out, directly contradicting the initial reports. It remains unknown which club Joona Luoto will play for next season and what specific reasons are behind the conflicting reports about his potential move to Finland.
Luoto has saved HV71 in the SHL for two years in a row, serving as a key player in both qualifiers by scoring 11 points in 10 qualification matches over the last two seasons. In the regular season, however, he has not delivered as expected and has been significantly injury-plagued, with his performance reflected in 34 points scored in 70 SHL games. The extent and nature of Joona Luoto's injuries during the regular season have not been detailed.
Joona has not decided on any club for next season, but Finland is ruled out.
Luoto was recruited from Switzerland after previously playing in the NHL and AHL, so expectations were high for the 28-year-old forward. He has eight A-national team games and a junior World Championship with Finland on his record, adding to his international experience.
That is not correct. Joona has not decided on any club for next season, but Finland is ruled out.