Jere Innala had quite a successful “rookie” year for the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles. Having already played 387 professional games in European leagues, it was hard to call Innala a rookie. The twenty-seven-year-old played seventeen Avalanche games, appearing on most lines. At one point, Innala was playing first line minutes with Nathan MacKinnon and on the first power play unit. Despite limited ice time, he matched NHL speed, however, he failed to score for the Avalanche. Innala saw a lot of time with the Avalanche when Valeri Nichushkin had his groin injury and missed the entire month of January.

The Finn found most of his success in Loveland with the Eagles, where he played 43 games in the regular season. He became a valuable tool for head coach Aaron Schneekloth, who used Innala as a threat on the power play. Innala mostly played on the top two lines in Loveland, providing a one timer that was hard for any goalie to stop. Innala ended the regular season with 17 goals and 11 assists for the Eagles.

Innala’s favorite spot became the right circle on the rush. He would pinch down during the play and setup for the cross-ice pass. He often would score from the middle slot or the right circle, avoiding the scrum in front of the net. His swiftness proved valuable during the rush, despite lacking puck possession. Innala often would provide the distraction that other players needed to put the puck in the back of the net.

Because of the player development rule in the AHL, the Eagles have made the choice to bench Innala to play their more experienced players during the playoffs. His 387 professional games before coming to North America were valuable, but Schneekloth is choosing to play grizzled veterans. Innala, therefore, has not played in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Innala was only with the Avalanche on a one-year, entry-level contract. This summer, he’ll become a free agent, hoping to sign another contract in North America.