Senators forward Olle Lycksell has decided to bypass interest from teams in his native Sweden in favor of joining Switzerland’s National League next season, according to Johan Svensson and Mattias Persson of Expressen. It is also evident that Lycksell, a pending Group VI unrestricted free agent, will not be re-signing with Ottawa or any NHL team moving forward. This move highlights his intention to continue his professional career in Europe rather than in North America.
Lycksell’s Journey from SHL to North America
Now in his fourth season playing in North America, Lycksell has completed only one season with the Ottawa Senators organization. Originally drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017, he spent several years developing in Sweden’s SHL before signing with Philadelphia in 2021. Following that signing, the Flyers loaned him back to the Växjö Lakers in Sweden, where he achieved a career-best season by scoring 14 goals and accumulating 34 points over 47 games, prior to his return to North American hockey the next season.
Strong AHL Production Contrast with NHL Challenges
At 5’11”, Lycksell has consistently been a high-level offensive contributor at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. Over his four seasons, he has maintained over a point per game twice, tallying 61 goals and 145 points across 160 minor-league contests. This season with the Belleville Senators, he registered 17 points in 25 games. Despite his solid AHL numbers, Lycksell has struggled to secure a lasting role in the NHL, accumulating just two goals and 13 points in 52 games spread between the Flyers and Senators. His playing style has made it difficult for him to fit into a fourth-line role, resulting in inconsistent possession numbers and insufficient impact to earn a top-six forward position.
Group VI UFA Status and Future Prospects in Switzerland
As of this offseason, Lycksell will officially be a Group VI unrestricted free agent for the second consecutive summer because he has not reached the threshold of 80 NHL appearances. His skill set suggests he is well-suited for an offensive role in Europe’s competitive leagues, with the Swiss National League standing out as an ideal destination. Should he join the Swiss league, Lycksell is expected to quickly rank among its top scorers, potentially revitalizing his professional career at a high competitive level.
