Meeting with the media for the first time since returning to play in his homeland of Finland for Kiekko-Vantaa, former Detroit Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen made the stark admission that money was his motivator to keep playing in the KHL after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

“It was a value choice, and it’s easy to say afterwards that it was really wrong,” Finnish website Ilta-Sanomat reported Pulkkinen saying during a press conference. “At the time, I thought I was practicing my profession and getting a good salary for it.”

Money, he admits, was what drove him to remain in Russia. He played six seasons in the KHL and was the only Finnish player in the league after the outbreak of the war.

“That was the biggest motivator, there’s no denying that,” Pulkkinen acknowledged. “I stayed there for the money, and I signed a new contract for the money.

“I bear responsibility for staying there myself, and it was completely my own choice.”

He left the KHL following the 2023-24 season. Last season saw Pulkkinen play in Germany, Slovakia, and Switzerland. He also suggests it led to an awakening in his life.

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“For the last year and a half, I have lived a very different life than I did 10 years ago,” Pulkkinen explained. “I have been to therapy to seek help for my problems, and my values are different today.

“I feel like I’m a better person today. I’m trying to be a better version of myself than I was the last 10 years. The last year and a half has taught me a lot.

“Today, and with these values, I realize (playing in Russia) was the wrong choice.”

Pulkkinen declined to elaborate on the specific changes he’s making in his lifestyle. His only comment was that he continues to work to make himself a better person.

“I don’t want to open them any further,” he said. “Everyone has challenges in their life, and everyone needs a change sometimes. I felt that I needed a change. I am in a good place right now.

“I take care of myself and keep myself in shape. It has worked for me, and I will continue to do so.”

The Red Wings selected the Finnish right-winger 111th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft. Pulkkinen played 70 games for Detroit from 2013-16, scoring 11 goals.

He also spent three seasons with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Pulkkinen was a two-time 30-goal scorer in GR. He won a Calder Cup title with the Griffins in 2012-13. Pulkkinen scored 14 goals in 16 playoff games with Grand Rapids in 2014-15.