With the past week behind us, we take a look at player and personnel moves within the league. This weeks highlights include the return of a familiar face to Timrå, An NHL veteran joins Luleå and a retirement is announced.
Komarov
Luleå announced this week that they have secured an agreement with NHL veteran Leo Komarov. The 35 year old Finnish forward split his time in the NHL between the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he wore an A for three seasons, and the New York Islanders. In total Komarov played in 491 games in the NHL, amassing 170 points (63G 107A).
– As a player, he feels like someone who stands for the same things as Luleå Hockey. He works hard all over the ice and will be able to contribute to the team both offensively and defensively. In addition, he has a physical style of play that may not be too much fun for the opponents to play against, says Luleå's GM Stefan Nilsson.
The contract is valid for the coming season.
Dahlén
Timrå has also secured a player with NHL experience, however this one is well known to Timrå fans. Jonathan Dahlén has decided to return to Timrå long term, signing a five year deal with the club. The 24 year old winger has previously spent five seasons with the club in HockeyAllsvenskan. He put up impressive numbers in his final two seasons with the team and won a slew of awards before joining the San José Sharks last season. He was also a major component in helping Timrå get promoted to the SHL.
– It's really fun that Jonathan is coming back to Timrå IK. Everyone probably already knows that he is an incredibly good hockey player, but his importance to the club and the supporters is also great off the ice, so it is great fun that another player returns home to Timrå IK, says Timrå's sporting director Kimmo Kapanen.
This will be Dahléns first season of SHL action.
Styrman
SHL veteran Fredrik Styrman has been forced to hang up his skates this week due to on going symptoms from a concussion he sustained last season. The 31 year old defenseman played in 260 SHL games with Skellefteå, Brynäs, HV71, Frölunda and Luleå, where he spent seven of his ten seasons.
– I understood that the career would end at some point. It does that for everyone. But I hoped to play for many more years, and it feels awful that it ended the way it did. At the same time, hockey is not everything, says Fredrik Styrman
Sundh
HV71 has recruited a long time player to an off ice role as they have brought on Oscar Sundh as assistant Sports Director and scout. Sundh annouced his retirement two seasons ago after playing his final season with Oskarshamn. Previous to that, however, he spent nine seasons with HV71. He also played for Linköping, Timrå and appeared in a few games with Luleå and Djurgården.
– It's great fun that Oscar is returning to HV71. He has a big HV heart and lots of hockey skills and will complement "Nubben" in a good way. Initially, Oscar will feel for and work 25% with the ambition to increase the time after Christmas, says Johan Lindbom, club director in HV71
HV71 announced that Sundh will "assist Kent Norberg in administrative tasks, scouting and support young players in their development".
Furch
Dominik Furch will be returning to his home country next season. The former Färjestad and Örebro goaltender appeared in 36 games last season with Färjestad and posted a 2.57 GAA, a .902 SV% and posted a pair of shutouts. He also backstopped Färjestad in the playoffs and was a major component in their Championship, playing in all 19 playoff games. Furch has signed on with HC Kometa Brno in the Czech league for next season.