As the 2024 NHL free agency period approaches and the NHL Entry Draft looms, the Colorado Avalanche are making key moves to shape their roster. On June 13, the team announced the signing of Finnish forward Jere Innala from Frolunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) to an entry-level contract (ELC) valued at $925,000. This contract allows the Avalanche to assign Innala to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, without him needing to clear waivers. This flexibility offers the team an affordable and talented player who can be developed further if needed.
During a press conference with team captain Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland provided insights into their free agency strategy. With uncertainties surrounding Landeskog’s return from injury, the situation with Valeri Nichushkin, and several pending unrestricted and restricted free agents, ELCs like Innala’s will be crucial. These contracts help the team stay competitive while managing salary cap constraints.
Jere Innala’s Background
Jere Innala, 26, hails from Hauho, Finland. Despite going undrafted, he has built a notable career in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league, primarily with HPK. Innala won a league championship with HPK in 2019 and later joined HIFK for the 2021-22 season. He has also competed in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) with HPK and HIFK, though neither team advanced beyond the group stage during his tenure.
Internationally, Innala has represented Finland in three of the last four IIHF Men’s World Championships, contributing to Finland’s gold medal in 2022 and silver in 2021. His performance with Frolunda HC in the SHL has also been impressive. In the 2022-23 CHL season, he helped Frolunda reach the semifinals, scoring nine points in 12 games, though they were eventually eliminated by Luleå HF in a shootout.
Over two seasons with Frolunda HC, Innala recorded 26 goals and 54 points in 94 regular-season games. His 2024 SHL Playoffs performance was particularly noteworthy, leading all skaters with 11 goals and 15 points in 14 games, despite Frolunda’s semifinal exit to Skellefteå AIK, the eventual champions.
Playstyle and Skills
Innala’s strengths lie in his vision on the ice, precise passing, and quick stickhandling. He maintains control of the puck even in tight spaces and makes smart, low-risk decisions. His power-play proficiency is another asset. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 183 pounds, Innala is not the biggest player, but his agility and speed compensate for his size.
However, his skating ability raises some concerns about his adaptability to the NHL’s faster pace, particularly given his smaller stature. Despite this, his competitive nature, energy, and work ethic could help him establish himself in North America. Defensively, Innala is sound, with a knack for intercepting passes and disrupting opposing plays.
Comparisons can be drawn between Innala and Russian prospect Nikolai Kovalenko, who showed promise during the 2024 NHL Playoffs despite his smaller size. Both players have the experience and skill to potentially thrive in the NHL, given the right circumstances.
Innala’s Potential Role on the Avalanche
With players like Jonathan Drouin and Casey Mittelstadt heading to free agency, the Avalanche need to construct a competitive roster within their $16 million cap space. Innala could be a valuable addition to the team’s bottom six forwards, depending on how MacFarland and Joe Sakic navigate the market. Pairing Innala on the left wing with a two-way center and another speedy winger like Kovalenko could maximize his abilities.
Innala will likely split his time between the NHL and the AHL with the Colorado Eagles. The Eagles, who also have several free agents, might start the season with Innala, allowing the Avalanche to evaluate their lineup and Innala’s adaptation to North American hockey.
Regardless of his starting point, Innala is expected to contribute to the power play, an area where he excelled with Frolunda HC. He led his team in power-play goals both in the regular season and playoffs, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on man-advantage situations.
Conclusion
Innala’s exact role with the Avalanche will become clearer as the team finalizes its roster through new signings and re-signings. Whether he makes the NHL roster out of training camp or begins the season in the AHL, Innala’s skill set and experience make him a valuable asset for the Avalanche. His performance will be closely watched, as he has the potential to significantly impact the team’s success in the upcoming season.
