Lucas Wallmark has left a strong contract in Switzerland to join Björklöven in the SHL. The 30-year-old forward had helped Fribourg win its first league title. He described the move as a decision from the heart.
Wallmark, who turns 30 this year, ended his season in Switzerland as the top scorer in the playoffs and a key member of the champion team. He had one year remaining on his deal but chose to return to his hometown club in Umeå.
The decision formed over the winter and grew stronger after the Olympic break. Wallmark said he told his wife they would move home for the next season.
"Man kanske ångrar sig. Men det här känns rätt i hjärtat," Wallmark told HockeyNews podcast Shoot The Puck. He confirmed he left money on the table yet signed a contract with Björklöven that satisfies him.
Wallmark believes he is still in his prime and plans to play at a high level for the next six years with his original club.