As Martin Steinegger tells the Journal du Jura, they made him an offer a couple of months ago but at the time, Anssi Salmela had not been willing to discuss his future: "He stayed with EHC Biel for two years. This is only the second time in his career that he has played for the same club for this long. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he plans to stay a third year."
As for Otso Rantakari, who played seven games for them this season, he does not fit the profile of the player Steinegger is looking for. While the team manager of EHC Biel is looking around on the market, he is still a long way from making a commitment to a player, given the (financial) uncertainty of the current situation.
As for their fourth import player, it remains to be seen how their financial situation develops. Asked about David Ullström by the same source, Steinegger says that they currently do not have the means to hire him.
Biel has also some young players on their roster. While Gilian Kohler and Valentin Nussbaumer have earned their spot in the lineup, David Prysi and Yanick Stampfli will still have to prove that they are ready. Otherwise, they might play in the Swiss League via B-license. Roman Karaffa, for his part, will definitely suit up for HC La Chaux-de-Fonds, Steinegger confirms.
