Södertälje SK has released forwards Brett Stapley and Mitch Lewandowski as the team sits near the bottom of the HockeyAllsvenskan table after 14 games. Sportchef Emil Georgsson confirmed the moves to free up salary for potential new signings, while Linus Omark has declined an offer to join the club. The changes come amid struggles with import players and a reduced budget.
Södertälje SK, or SSK, is making significant roster adjustments after a disappointing start to the HockeyAllsvenskan season. With 14 matches played, the team lies second-to-last in the standings, prompting sportchef Emil Georgsson to act decisively. On Tuesday, Georgsson confirmed that forwards Brett Stapley and Mitch Lewandowski have been told to find new clubs, following the earlier departure of Cole Fonstad. "They have gotten notice to find new clubs," Georgsson said. "With Lewandowski, it's more about performances on the ice. Stapley partly too, but there's also an economic aspect. We need to find money to do something else."
Stapley, signed as a top center, has managed just 1 goal and 5 assists in 14 games, falling short of expectations from his prior one-point-per-game averages in leagues like ECHL and Slovakia. Lewandowski has scored only one goal this season, a stark contrast to his 24 goals in the ECHL last year. Georgsson noted inconsistencies and costly mistakes, particularly in power play, where Stapley underperformed. The releases aim to reallocate salary—Stapley being higher-paid—to pursue better fits, though no immediate replacement for Stapley is expected before Saturday's home game against Modo.
SSK recently signed forward William Eriksson from Almtuna to bolster the offense, praising his skill, goal-scoring ability, and familiarity with the league. "He is play-smart, can score goals and assists, knows the league and is Swedish," Georgsson said. "He comes in with new mindset and energy." The club has also inquired about loaning 18-year-old Michal Svrcek from Brynäs, though he is currently on international duty.
A budget cut from 17.5 to 15 million kronor complicated summer signings, leading to what Georgsson called failed imports. He takes responsibility: "If it's a bad signing from me, people can think that." Coaching staff remains unchanged, with Georgsson defending their work: "I don't think we've been worse than any team game-wise in 14 matches." Many players, including Måns Lindbäck, Hampus Harlestam, Viktor Liljegren, and Filip Engarås, are in goal droughts.
In a blow, veteran Linus Omark has rejected SSK's offer, reportedly eyeing a return to Lugano. "It was a long shot from the beginning," Georgsson said. Captain Patrik Zackrisson is expected to lead, with hopes of internal solutions like Karl Sterner or Engarås at center. Analyst Andreas Hanson sees slim playoff hopes but potential as a dark horse.
