Jere Innala has been working toward a night like this for most of his life.
The draft process came and went without a call, but Innala’s desire to play in the NHL remained. He became one of the best players in the Finnish league, but still he had to wait.
Finally, after a breakout season with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League, complete with a dominant postseason performance, the Colorado Avalanche is giving the forward his big shot.
“I’ve played in Europe, but it’s always been my dream to play in the NHL,” Innala said. “I had some success there. When I had the offer, I didn’t have to think too much. I wanted to come here. I feel comfortable here.”
The Avs signed Innala, 26, to a one-year contract in June. At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, he’s not the biggest guy. But Innala had 16 goals and 28 points in 42 games for Frolunda, then followed that up with 11 goals in 14 playoff contests.
He’s been finding his way at Avs training camp, but Tuesday night is an important opportunity. Innala is going to play with Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen on the club’s top power play in a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights, and he’s likely to receive some prime 5-on-5 minutes as well.
“It is a big night for him because he’s an offensive guy, a skilled guy,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “We’ll see what he can do in that spot.
“With some of the guys we have missing, we’re looking to fill some holes up in the lineup. I want to use the guys that we think might possibly be able to fill those holes in those roles in these exhibition games to try and see if they’re going to be able to do it for us. If not, we have to adjust and move things around.”
The Avs are searching for two guys to play in the top six until some combination of Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder), Gabe Landeskog (knee) and Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) can return. Bednar would like to keep MacKinnon, Rantanen and Jonathan Drouin together on the top line, which means finding wings for Casey Mittelstadt.
Nikolai Kovalenko has had the best camp of the candidates so far. Calum Ritchie has shown flashes of his high-end skill but also needs to improve without the puck if he’s going to stick around instead of returning to his Ontario Hockey League team.
Innala is also in the mix but could use a big performance or two in the club’s final three preseason games.
“Every day is a big challenge and opportunity for me,” Innala said. “I need to use that and be present all the time. Just try to be better each day. I know I have really good players around me. It’s amazing.
“I try to bring energy. Good speed, good skating. I need to play really good both ways, offensively and defensively. When it’s time to keep the puck, I need to keep it and make some plays and scoring chances. Just bring my good stuff.”
If Innala doesn’t win a spot in the opening-night lineup, he’ll likely be a top offensive player for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL. His quest to play in the world’s best league could require a little more patience.
“Every day, I feel more comfortable,” Innala said. “I’m trying to get better every day. I’ve played two games and it’s been OK. Now, it’s time to take one more step up.”
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