Patrik Zackrisson, former captain of Leksand, expressed deep disappointment over the team's 0-4 playoff loss to HV71 that led to their SHL relegation. The 38-year-old center, now a key player for Södertälje, affirmed his enduring loyalty to Leksand while focusing on his current team's postseason run. He dismissed speculation about rejoining his old club, saying he has not considered it.
Patrik Zackrisson spent six seasons with Leksand, including five as captain, before departing last year. He has closely followed the team's struggles, particularly their sweep by HV71 in the negative qualifiers. 'I have absolutely followed them. It's incredibly sad. It's damn sour,' Zackrsson told Hockeynews after Södertälje's game six victory over Kalmar in the HockeyAllsvenskan playoffs. 'There was a bit of emptiness last night.' Despite playing for Södertälje—where he logged nearly 25 minutes, the most in the match, across power play and penalty kill—Zackrsson made no secret of his affection for Leksand. 'I absolutely have a Leksand heart. It's nothing I've been ashamed of,' he said. He expressed concern over the club's financial woes and hopes for a strong rebuild to return to the SHL. 'Of course one is [worried]. One really wants them to sort it out and come back strong.' Zackrsson, who turns 39 on Friday, has not spoken with Leksand officials since their elimination. His contract with Södertälje expires this season, fueling talk of a possible return, but he brushed it off: 'I haven't even thought in those terms. I'm here and now.' On whether he will play another year, he replied, 'No idea. I'm not thinking about it right now.' Zackrsson emphasized enjoying the playoffs and that any future decision involves family considerations.
