The SM-League confirmed a significant change for the upcoming season, stating that teams relegated from the league will be directly determined by their standings at the end of the regular season. Consequently, there will be no playout matches or relegation playoffs, which typically provide teams a chance to fight for their league status. This decision emphasizes the importance of regular-season performance in determining the fate of teams, insisting on a more straightforward relegation process.

For the next season, the league will operate during a transition period, with either 17 or 18 teams participating, which includes the addition of the Helsinki Jokerit to the current 16 teams. Moreover, the champion of the Mestis, the secondary Finnish league, will have the opportunity to apply for a league license, and if the Jokerit wins the Mestis, the finalist loser will also get a chance to apply for the license. This restructuring aims to enhance competitive fairness in the league.

Jussi Markkanen, the sports director of the SM-League, highlighted that the decision sends a clear signal from the sports directors of the clubs, who preferred having a lengthy and equitable regular season as the determining factor for relegation. By removing the possibility of safety through playout matches, the league aims to motivate teams to consistently perform well and mitigate randomness in relegation outcomes, reinforcing the stakes of regular-season play.