Felix Sandström Signs with Kärpät Oulu
Felix Sandström, a 28-year-old Swedish goaltender, has recently inked a short-term contract with the Finnish hockey team Kärpät Oulu as they search for a replacement following an injury to their starting goalie. This agreement lasts until November 2nd and offers Sandström a chance to return to the NHL if an offer arises during this period, reflecting his seven-year experience in North America.
Sandström’s Enthusiasm and Team Needs
In a statement announcing his signing, Sandström expressed enthusiasm for joining the club:
“I’m excited about this opportunity. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the team and the city and I can’t wait to get to know everyone.”
Kärpät is in need of reinforcement after the injury of their primary netminder, Niklas Rubin, leading them to temporarily promote 20-year-old Visa Vedenpää, a prospect of the Seattle Kraken, to the starting position.
Management’s Perspective
Kärpät’s sports director, Kimmo Kapanen, discussed the decision, highlighting Sandström’s extensive experience:
“We’ve acquired an experienced player to partner with Visa for the next six weeks – one who has played in both the SHL and NHL in his career. We are pleased that things were able to progress so quickly, and Felix will be able to join the team as early as the end of the week.”
Sandström hails from Gävle, Sweden, where he began his professional journey at the age of 17 with Brynäs.
Wade Allison’s Move to Germany
In a separate announcement, Canadian winger Wade Allison, 27, has also signed with the Straubling Tigers in Germany. Allison, a former third-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015, spent a significant part of his career within the Flyers system from 2019 to 2024, participating in 30 NHL games but primarily playing with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Sandström’s NHL Career and Kärpät’s Season Outlook
Over his NHL career, Sandström has recorded a disappointing record of 4-18-0, coupled with a 3.66 goals-against average and an .880 save percentage. He spent the previous season in the Buffalo Sabres organization, playing 19 games for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. Kärpät Oulu, a historic club with a rich tradition, has started the current Liiga season with two victories out of their first five matches. Currently leading the team in scoring is Roni Hirvonen, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, alongside notable players such as Janne Peltonen of the Chicago Blackhawks and former NHL players like Markus Nutivaara and Marcus Björk. Following a disappointing previous season, where the club failed to make the playoffs, they have set high expectations for a successful redemption this time around.
