Jere Innala, a left winger from Finland, has signed an entry-level one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche. This previous season, the 26-year-old played his whole career in Europe. He scored 28 points in 42 games while playing for the SHL’s Frölunda HC. He really came into his own during the playoffs, leading all players with 15 points in 14 games.
What Innala contributes to the group
The winger will provide the Avalanche a potent one-timer in the bottom six. Innala enjoys positioning himself for the shot in the faceoff circle. For centers and defensemen exiting the defensive zone quickly, he provides quickness. Based on the footage I’ve watched, it appears that he has a terrific sense of zone departures.
It’s anticipated that Innala will join the Colorado Eagles in Loveland to begin his career in North America. The NHL-sized ice and the fast-paced nature of the game will take some getting used to for him. Innala will receive assistance from the AHL throughout that transitional phase.
Innala has a history of great success. Innala would assist Finland in winning the silver medal at the 2021 World Championships. He competed for Finland at the 2022 World Championships and earned the Gold Medal. His four game total of one goal was less than impressive compared to his five points in eight games the following year. Innala and HPK won the Liiga championship in 2018–19. He would lead the league in game-winning goals the following season (8).
In summary
For the Avalanche and the Eagles, the offseason has just begun. Innala will give the Avalanche’s bottom six or the Eagles’ top six a forceful slap shot and a fast snapshot. He will compliment the speed of Jason Polin and Ondřej Palát for the Eagles, making them a dangerous scoring combination on one line. His shot will come in handy on the Eagles’ most difficult power play. Observing his champion pedigree should be entertaining.
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