The SM-liiga, Finland's top ice hockey league, is set to undergo a major transformation next season with a new structure that will see a quadruple regular season format, leading to a decrease in the overall number of matches played by each team. Depending on whether there are 17 or 18 teams in the league, teams will play either 64 or 68 matches, a change from the current setup where teams participate in 60 games. The addition of Jokerit as a participating team is one of the changes contributing to this restructuring.

Jussi Markkanen, the league's sports director, emphasized that the decision to modify the match schedule aims to enhance the league's fairness and address the challenges of player workload. Maintaining a manageable game schedule is crucial to preventing burnout among players and reducing their risk of injury. As Risto Kauppinen, the Executive Director of the Players' Association, pointed out, the reduction of back-to-back games is expected to improve the quality of play, making it more competitive and enjoyable for fans while also safeguarding player health.

The league is also engaging in discussions about future developmental strategies, showcasing a proactive approach to the league's evolution. Fans and stakeholders can anticipate the release of the updated match schedule in the coming spring, which will provide further clarity on this new framework for the SM-liiga season ahead.