The article focuses on the recent announcements made by the SM-liiga regarding the league's format for the 2027–2028 season, which will involve a shift to a 14+10 team model. As a result, the current season will not include relegation playoffs, leading to increased focus on the upcoming brutal relegation battle for teams at the lower end of the standings next season. This shift has prompted lower-tier teams to make significant investments to improve their standings amidst this competitive environment.

Specifically, team Sport, currently at the bottom of the league, announced a 'fire sale' of players on December 21, allowing other teams to acquire talent as they look to bolster their rosters ahead of the playoffs. Conversely, the league's top teams have made strategic moves to strengthen their squads in preparation for the postseason battles. This activity emphasizes the urgency as the transfer deadline looms on March 2, with players being moved and teams restructuring their lineups.

As the transfer deadline approaches, the article highlights both the successes and challenges faced by teams, noting that while top teams have been able to make targeted acquisitions, lower-ranked teams are under pressure to offload players to maintain financial viability. As the market heats up, the narrative focuses on the delicate balance teams need to strike between immediate needs for play and long-term sustainability in the evolving landscape of Finnish ice hockey.