WEEKLY RECAP: LASCH SAYS GOODBYE

Ryan Lasch

For ten of the past thirteen seasons, Frölunda and SHL fans around the league have been privileged to watch one of the best players in SHL history. Ryan Lasch first joined the league back in 2010, playing for Södertälje. He then played the following two seasons in Växjö. After one season in Finland he then returned to the SHL where he landed on the team that would be his mainstay for the remainder of his time in the SHL, Frölunda. Throughout his career in Swedens top league he has found monumental success. In 416 regular seasons games he scored 110 goals and added 269 assists. During his time with Frölunda he won two Swedish Championships and three CHL titles. But it's clear now that he won't be returning to Gothenburg next season. 

– I am proud of what we have achieved as a club and have many great memories. My years in Frölunda have been the best in my career, says Lasch.

Last season saw Lasch absolutely dominate as he set an SHL record with 53 assists. He also added 13 goals for a total of 66 points in 52 games. Unfortunately he could not follow up that success this season, appearing in just 41 games with a total of 24 points. 

– We have had a dialogue and discussion since we left the playoffs and agree that the past season did not turn out as any of us expected, says Frölunda's sporting director Fredrik Sjöström.

It is unclear at the moment where Lasch will end up next season. However he has had experience and success playing in both Finland and Switzerland throughout his career. One thing is for certain however, the small statured forward from Lake Forest, California will be dearly missed by the Frölunda faithful. 

Véronneau

As the league says goodbye to one superstar, they also welcome back another. Max Véronneau announced this week that he will be returning to Leksand. The 27 year old forward was still under contract with Leksand after this past season, where he played with San José's AHL affiliate. The Canadian was the SHL's top scorer in the 2021/22 season, potting 34 goals in 51 games and was named league MVP. 

– We need to bring in people who can score a few goals for us. We have more pressure in our group and we have a squad that is better suited to all four lines, which you also need. But absolutely, a goalscorer is what we need... and he is a goalscorer, says General Manager Thomas Johansson.

His hopes of cracking into the NHL did not go as planned, unfortunately, as he had to deal with an injury throughout the season. 

– The past season in San Jose was difficult due to injuries. Even so, it was a great experience and I really enjoyed myself, but having to deal with a major injury for most of the season was quite difficult. The injuries obviously made it more difficult to play the hockey I know I can play. Thankfully, I am currently in rehabilitation which is progressing at full speed and hopefully I can return in full health for the start of next season, says Max Véronneau.

Sexton

Dan Sextons single season in the SHL this year end up being his last as the 36 year old American announced his retirement this week. In 44 games with Växjö he scored 8 goals and added 16 assists. He also notched 8 points in the post season on his way to a Championship title. During his career he also played nine seasons in the KHL and appeared in 88 NHL games.

Lekkerimäki

Örebro has picked up young forward Jonathan Lekkerimäki on loan from the Vancouver Canucks. The 18 year old was drafted 15th overall last summer by the Canadian club. 

– It was a long season for him. He started two World Juniors in five months, he was at our development camp here and maybe missed a bit of pre-season training. But we have had good communication with our development staff throughout the season. It was fun to see how he played at the end for his club team. Overall, he has taken steps forward. He has some things to improve, but we are happy to have him under contract, says Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin.

Lekkerimäki spent this past season in HockeyAllsvenskan playing with Djurgården, who just barely missed being promoted back to the SHL. 

– We are incredibly happy to be able to welcome Jonathan. He is a top player in his age group and Jonathan has enormous potential. We are bringing in an offensively skilled player who will be involved and make a difference going forward and the fact that we can add another right-handed shooter has been important to us. It's great that Jonathan chooses to come to us to take the next step in his career and we look forward to working with Jonathan in our environment, says general manager Niklas Eriksson.