Växjö Lakers have reportedly reached an agreement with Finnish center Matias Mäntykivi for the 2026/27 season, according to unconfirmed reports from Expressen Sport. The 24-year-old, who has been a key player for Ilves in Finland, is said to have signed a contract that was reportedly finalized some time ago, with plans for him to take on a prominent role in the team. Mäntykivi, who made his debut for the Finnish national team last year during the Sweden Hockey Games, is described as an offensively skilled center with strong playmaking abilities and a sharp shot.
Växjö is facing uncertainty in their center positions for the upcoming season, with several players including Dylan McLaughlin, Sebastian Strandberg, Ville Svensson, and the injured Otto Koivula having expiring contracts. In related news, Växjö forward Eemeli Suomi is reportedly injured again, according to Smålandsposten, after missing a training session at Vida Arena, with coach Björn Hellkvist confirming he will be out for some time. Suomi has previously been injured multiple times, including during a Finland tour in August and again a month later.