Olle Lycksell, a 26-year-old Swedish winger, is making an unexpected career move by choosing to play in Switzerland’s National League rather than continuing to pursue opportunities in the NHL. Despite having appeared in 52 NHL games and currently playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Belleville Senators, Lycksell is set to leave North America and decline offers from Sweden’s top league, the SHL.
After being drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2017, Lycksell bounced around the AHL and signed with the Ottawa Senators last summer, contributing occasionally at the NHL level. New reports from Sweden’s Expressen, via Pro Hockey Rumours, reveal his decision to reject re-signing with Ottawa and focuses instead on a fresh start in the Swiss professional league.
Motivations Behind Lycksell’s Move to Switzerland
Lycksell remains a competitive and productive player, performing well in the AHL and showing glimpses of promise during his NHL stints. However, this summer, he reaches Group VI unrestricted free agent status, allowing him the freedom to sign anywhere. His choice to prioritize Switzerland reflects both professional and personal considerations beyond pure career advancement.
The Swiss National League is known for maintaining a high standard of ice hockey that combines speed, skill, and physicality. Unlike the relentless pace of the NHL or the intense competition of the SHL, the Swiss league offers a more balanced schedule and a less exhausting lifestyle. The season features roughly 50 regular-season games compared to the NHL’s demanding 82-game slate, with games typically played on Tuesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays, which provides players reliable weekends off.
Travel in Switzerland is notably manageable since the entire country is roughly the size of New Jersey, enabling players to commute quickly between arenas, often returning to their own homes each night. This eliminates the grueling extended road trips, multiple time zone changes, and constant living out of suitcases that characterize North American hockey seasons.
Life and Hockey Culture in Swiss Towns
Switzerland’s cities and towns such as Lugano, Lausanne, Davos, and Ambri-Piotta offer stunning natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. These locations sit amid lakes and mountains with cultural influences including Italian cuisine and a slower pace of life. For players like Lycksell, this translates into becoming a well-regarded local figure without the overwhelming scrutiny or frenzy found in larger hockey markets.
Financially, the Swiss league provides a comfortable salary range for players of Lycksell’s caliber, typically between 400,000 and 700,000 Swiss francs annually, with additional perks like housing and vehicles. The Swiss franc’s near parity with the U.S. dollar means this pay scale is effectively equivalent to $400,000–$700,000 USD, or about $540,000–$945,000 CAD, depending on exchange rates. With moderate taxation in certain cantons, players enjoy a very high quality of life.
The Appeal of Balance and Competitive Play
For many professional hockey players, the attractive combination of solid earnings, fewer games, lighter travel demands, and an enjoyable lifestyle makes the Swiss National League a desirable destination. Former NHL and SHL athletes who have transitioned to Switzerland often praise the level of competition while appreciating the opportunity to rediscover the joy of the game without intense nightly pressure or intrusive media attention.
Players escape the relentless “win-now-or-else” environment common in North America, as well as negative fan interactions like those experienced by players such as Mitch Marner in Toronto. Instead, they engage in competitive hockey amid one of the world’s most picturesque settings, blending sport with a sense of well-being.
Though Olle Lycksell may be stepping away from what could be his final NHL chances, his choice highlights a growing trend among players who value quality of life and sustainable careers over chasing the rigors and uncertainties of the NHL grind. Considering his experience and preferences, Switzerland offers him a promising path forward and an opportunity to keep playing the sport he loves on his own terms.
