Three Ilves Prospects Selected in CHL Draft, Set for 2026–27 Season

Eighteen-year-old defenseman Ossi Tukio and forwards Jakub Frolo and Jiko Laitinen were selected in the CHL draft and will move to North America for 2026–27.

In the June 30, 2026 CHL draft, Regina Pats picked Ilves product Ossi Tukio 18th overall in the first round; the Kelowna Rockets selected Jakub Frolo at 33, and the Moncton Wildcats took Jiko Laitinen at 72. Regina and Kelowna play in the WHL, while Moncton belongs to the QMJHL. Ilves sports director Timo Koskela said Tukio used a CHL option in his Ilves contract to join Regina. The club negotiated options and timetable changes for Frolo and Laitinen, allowing their 2026–27 agreements to be deferred while preserving the right to bring them back after their CHL stints. Koskela called talks with the players' representatives constructive and said the arrangement serves both the players’ development and the club’s long-term interests.

The moves come as Ilves continues to shape its 2026–27 roster. The club recently announced a package of player signings and returns when it signed eight players and brought Jan‑Mikael Järvinen home, and added Canadian defenseman Austin Strand as a reinforcement for next season in late June.