Winnipeg Jets Prospects Markus Loponen signs 2-year contract with Finland’s HPK – Hockey Writer – Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg Jets prospect Markus Loponen has signed a two-year contract with Liiga’s HPK.

The Finnish Centre ranked fifth in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft (155th in total), came to North America this season to play for the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League and achieved a good first campaign, scoring 19 goals in 65 games and 44 points in 65 games. He then scored 4 goals and 2 assists in 11 playoff games, scoring 6 points.

Related: Jets’ Kupari signs 2-year contract with Swiss HC Lugano

The 19-year-old has yet to sign an entry-level deal with Winnipeg, a deal that once played for Karpat organization in his hometown of Oulu. His 2025-26 season with HPK will be his first professional in the Hämeenlinna match in the country’s southern interior.