Martin Johnsen has been loaned from HV71 to AIK until February 15 after a challenging season in the SHL. The 21-year-old center turned down a return to his former club Mora, citing a desire for a fresh start and a chance to contribute to AIK's promotion push. HV71, dealing with injuries, is now seeking reinforcements, particularly a center.
Martin Johnsen's loan to AIK was announced on Tuesday, marking a shift for the Norwegian center who had a breakout season with Mora last year, earning him a SHL contract with HV71. However, this fall he managed only five points in 22 games, leading to diminished ice time and lost confidence.
"It started well but got tougher as the season went on. I lost my confidence and joy for hockey," Johnsen told Hockeynews. He expressed disappointment at not staying with HV71 all season but sees the move as positive. Johnsen opted for AIK over Mora, despite Mora having first refusal rights under league rules.
Mora's sport chief Andreas Hägglund confirmed they accepted the loan offer but Johnsen declined. "We got the question from HV71 and said yes, but Martin said no to us for some reason. It was a strange situation from start to finish," Hägglund said via SMS. Johnsen explained his choice: "I thought it felt like the right step and that I get a good role." He highlighted AIK's strong position in the HockeyAllsvenskan and their SHL promotion ambitions, noting a good plan laid out for him after talks with coach Lasse Johansson.
Johnsen is set to debut for AIK on Wednesday against Modo at Hovet. Meanwhile, HV71's interim sport chief Fredrik Stillman indicated the team is thin due to injuries and is scouting for additions, ideally a center, though the market is quiet. They recently acquired Hampus Eriksson from Nybro and may recall Oscar Davidsson from Vimmerby if needed.
"We always want to sign the best players possible, preferably a center. But there's not much out there, no movement on the market at all," Stillman told JP.
