HV71 has bolstered its roster by signing 29-year-old center Victor Laz from SHL rival Skellefteå AIK. The move addresses the team's injury woes and fills a key role in the fourth line. Laz, a two-way player, brings defensive reliability and offensive potential to the squad.
HV71, plagued by injuries throughout the season, has secured the services of Victor Laz to strengthen its center position. The 29-year-old, who played last season with Skellefteå AIK, joins from the northern Swedish club after negotiations led by interim general manager Fredrik Stillman. Laz, originally from Blekinge with Kallinge/Ronneby as his mother club, has progressed through Swedish hockey's ranks, including time in Division 1, HockeyAllsvenskan, and SHL stints with Rögle BK and Kalmar HC.
Stillman praised the acquisition, stating, “Victor is a smart and useful center who can contribute in both directions. He takes great responsibility in defense while having qualities that make him dangerous offensively.” He added, “It’s a player who has made an interesting journey through the system, and it will be very exciting to see him with us in HV71.”
The signing comes amid HV71's challenges, including the recent injury to newly acquired two-way center Hampus Eriksson from Nybro Vikings. Laz is expected to slot into Eriksson's spot on the fourth line alongside wingers William Ignberg Nilsson and Oscar Davidsson. This setup should help stabilize the line defensively, reducing turnovers and allowing Ignberg Nilsson more forechecking opportunities and Davidsson a more physical role. Analysts note that Laz's smarts could mitigate the offensive limitations of the bottom line while providing rest for loaned centers like Hampus Karlsson.
Based on Tuesday's lineup, HV71's forward groups could look like this: Pettersson-Rousek-Ang; Woods-Kloos-Tedenby; Pasic-Lindström-Stål Lyrenäs; and Davidsson-Laz-Ignberg Nilsson. The addition aims to maintain momentum against opponents despite the absences of players like Luoto, Eriksson, and Heponiemi.
