Filppula has spent almost his entire career in the Finnish Liiga playing for Jokerit Helsinki, Jyväskylä and TPS Turku. In 521 games, the forward has registered a total of 98 goals and 206 assists.
After signing a two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 2010, the Finnish forward spent one season in the AHL with the Red Wings’ affiliate Grand Rapid Griffins, emerging as their leading scorer with 64 points in 76 games.
“I have always heard good things about Lugano, also from my numerous fellow countrymen that played here like Nummelin and Peltonen. I hope to be able to continue the success of Finnish players here”, the forward is quoted, saying that after talks with head coach Fischer and the club, the choice to join the Bianconeri had been an easy one for him.
