Do IK need a new goaltender? What is missing after Malmström? And is there scope to strengthen the attack even though the player budget has already been used?
We put some of the questions occupying us as supporters to Arsi Piispanen. His answers offer several interesting points – and reveal where the sporting director's view differs from ours.
Translation note: The answers below are translated from Swedish. The Swedish edition preserves Arsi's and Gustav's original wording. GLID INTE's comments are separate from their answers.
The budget has been used – extra funding would be welcome
We asked whether there is a realistic way to sign a player outside the existing player budget with support from sponsors or other external backers.
Arsi answers:
“We have not previously had extra sponsorship to bring in new players. For me, getting some extra money would certainly be a good solution. I have used my budget now, but we have strong finances that may still make a little extra money possible if we really have to. But you cannot keep making losses; that is not sustainable, of course.”
GLID INTE's comment: In our view, this is the interview's most interesting answer. Arsi describes a player budget that has already been used, but rules out neither extra sponsorship nor some additional room if the need becomes great enough.
This is not a promise of a signing, nor a statement that extra money has already been secured. Our interpretation is that outside financial support would be welcome if it helped IK bring in the right player.
There is something here for local businesses to consider. Not an open-ended wish to buy more names, but an opportunity to support a considered addition where it would genuinely make a difference. Arsi's qualification is reasonable too: a sporting solution will not be good in the long term if it creates a financial problem.
The goaltenders need help too
We asked how Arsi sees Vuorio and Nyman, and what would determine whether IK strengthen their goaltending.
Arsi answers:
“We are of course also aware that we have had a somewhat tough time with our goaltending. The save percentages show that too. We are not conceding goals through major goaltending blunders, and we are allowing a few too many big scoring chances, such as breakaways, against us. That does not do our goaltenders justice. We are looking at the market as usual for all positions, and if we do something, it has to be because it makes us better. The finances play their part too, of course.”
GLID INTE's comment: Arsi does not deny the problems, but puts more of the explanation down to the chances the team allows than we have in our criticism of the goaltending.
We agree that the defence must give the goaltenders better support. We cannot demand security in net while accepting that opponents are allowed through into good scoring positions.
At the same time, we believe the goaltending question remains. A goaltender also needs to make a difference when the team in front is not playing perfectly. Better team defence and better goaltending are not competing wishes – IK need both.
The answer confirms that the market is being watched, but not that a new goaltender is on the way.
Malmström would be welcome back
On defence, we wanted to know how Arsi rates the quality and depth after Malmström's brief spell, as the injured defenders return.
Arsi answers:
“Malmström really played 3 good games with us, all of which also ended in wins. He is a guy we would gladly see with us again if the opportunity is there. At the same time, I think that now, when all the defencemen are healthy again and available to play, we have a solid defence with clear roles. Many have taken steps forward and will continue to do so.”
GLID INTE's comment: This is a clear expression of appreciation for Malmström. It does not mean that a return is being discussed or is possible right now, but Arsi would like to see him in IK again.
So would we.
Our view remains that his brief spell showed what an established defenceman of that type can add. That is not a condemnation of the rest of the defence. There is both talent and competent quality. But we believe a player in Malmström's mould could lift the group from serviceable to genuinely good.
Arsi emphasises development and the clear roles within a healthy defensive group. We would welcome that development too, but do not believe it rules out the value of another reliable, established defenceman.
Three productive lines? This is where our views differ
We asked about the need for another productive line, what qualities a potential addition would need, and whether a centre or a winger would be the more likely option.
Arsi answers:
“I think we are producing well with 3 lines right now. I hope we can continue to produce with them too. Then I hope the 4th line can score a few goals in future as well, because there is potential to do that, even if it is not their main task.”
GLID INTE's comment: Here, Arsi does not quite share our assessment of the problem. He already sees three lines producing well, while we still believe an offensively strong centre or winger could make IK less dependent on their most prominent players delivering.
For us, the question is not simply whether three lines can put up points. It is how consistently they can create chances and decide games – even when opponents manage to shut down the team's leading threats.
It is valuable to get a clear answer, even when we do not fully agree. Arsi points to the potential within the existing roster rather than an explicit need for a new offensive player.
We also asked a follow-up question about any previous contact with Mattias Tedenby. That part was not answered, so we draw no conclusion about whether there has been any contact.
A busy autumn on the phone
After the questions about players and money, we also wanted to know whether Arsi had ever spent as much time on the phone as this autumn – and whether any of the calls had surprised him.
Arsi answers:
“There has been a lot of time on the phone this autumn, a little more than usual. But the work of keeping in touch with agents and other sporting directors is ongoing all the time anyway. I try to be very open to different solutions and ideas, and perhaps that is why nothing has surprised me greatly.”
GLID INTE's comment: We did not get an unexpected phone-call anecdote this time. Arsi does, however, describe ongoing contact work that continues even when it does not result in a new name on the club website. As supporters, we usually see the outcome, but much less of the conversations and considerations that come before it.
Gustav on #17: Tickets remain – arrive in time for the ceremony
We also asked Gustav about ticket sales as Jonas Engström's #17 is set to go up into the rafters. Will it be a sell-out?
Gustav answers:
“It looks very good, but we still have some tickets left to sell, and we want to encourage anyone planning to attend to buy a ticket now so they do not miss the chance to be part of Jonas's ceremony. The ceremony starts at 14:30, so you should arrive in good time to avoid missing anything.”
GLID INTE's comment: A sell-out is not confirmed, then, but we certainly hope it happens. Anyone attending should plan around the ceremony, not just face-off. Be there before 14:30 and be part of the occasion as #17 takes its place in the rafters.