WEEKLY RECAP: ONE OF THE GREATS SAYS GOODBYE
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With the week behind us, we take a look at player and personnel moves around the league from the past seven days.
This weeks big news was not a player acquisition or new prospect signing, but rather the news of two big retirements.
Lindström
After 659 games, 191 goals, 326 assists, 3 SHL MVP’s, 2 Swedish championships, 2 seasons as overall point leader and winner of the 2013/14 Stefan Liv Memorial Trophy, Joakim Lindström has announced his retirement this week. Lindström spent the vast majority of his time in the SHL with Skellefteå, however he also had 2 seasons in the KHL and 150 games in the NHL. But the 39 year old has hung up his skates for good.
– For the past 22 years, I have been able to live my childhood dream, to be a professional hockey player. I am proud of my career and incredibly grateful for everything that hockey has given me. I also want to thank Erik Forssell and AIK for giving me time this summer to think through my decision. After discussing this with my family, and feeling how it has felt physically and mentally, I now know that the time has come to stop playing hockey, says Lindström.
Söderberg
Another big retirement announcement came from Malmö this week as Carl Söderberg has also called it a career. Unlike Lindström, however, Söderberg spent the majority of his professional career in North America. He played 9 seasons and 597 games in the NHL with Boston, Colorado, Arizona and Chicago. Before making the move to the NHL, Söderberg was a product of the Malmö junior program and the big team. He also spent two seasons with Linköping.
– I have been involved in a lot. Almost 600 NHL games and that whole NHL journey was amazing. All the memories you created and all the people, both players and leaders. I wouldn't trade that for anything, he says.
Söderberg finished his career right where he started. He played the last two seasons with the Malmö Redhawks and helped them avoid relegation this season.
Dzierkals
The only signing this week was made by Skellefteå, who brought in 26 yeard old Latvian Martins Dzierkals.
– A strong skating player who can be used in several forms of play and is extremely useful in the lineup. He has been around a lot of places and has good experience and did very well last time in the national team when they went to the semis and finally took WC bronze. It will be great fun to get him here as soon as possible and get him into the team, says sporting director Erik Forssell.
The contract is valid for the coming season.