Sam Hallam has received several heavy nos from NHL stars.
But one chooses to pay out of his own pocket to be able to play.
– It was a matter of course, says Fabian Zetterlund.
Elias Pettersson had verbally thanked me for the WC game with Tre Kronor, but there were immediate question marks about whether it would even be possible. The reason is that the association is forced to pay insurance in case the player is injured, and in Elias Pettersson’s case it would cost a whopping five million kroner.
Unexpected decision
In the end it was too expensive, and after Elias Pettersson received the message that there will be no game, Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Karlsson and Viktor Hedman have also announced that there will be no game. Fabian Zetterlund was also in a precarious situation. He has expiring contracts in the NHL and the San Jose Sharks, and that almost always means he can’t go to the World Cup.
But now he has taken the admirable decision to pay out of his own pocket to make the game with Tre Kronor possible.
– We have chosen that solution. It is my agent and other people around me who have helped so that we can fix it ourselves. We have had a good dialogue with the national team management. The San Jose Sharks have also been in the discussion and are behind it. I want to play as much hockey as possible and it’s a good chance to show myself more, he tells Aftonbladet.
READ MORE: Peter Forsberg’s admirable action for Modo in the SHL joy – now opens up about the decisive decision
“Would never say no”
Fabian Zetterlund was traded during the season from the New Jersey Devils to the San Jose Sharks, and it is unclear whether the Sharks will offer a contract extension. But playing with Tre Kronor wasn’t something he hesitated about.
– We have talked during the season. It was a no-brainer for me to take this chance, it feels like crazy fun. Getting to play in Tre Kronor is something I have dreamed of and looked forward to very much. I would never say no to the national team, says Zetterlund.
Fabian Zetterlund is one of eight NHL Swedes in Tre Kronor right now, and he will have to prove himself worthy of a place via the Czech Hockey Games.
– These are the conditions I have been given when we have talked through the situation. It’s a chance that I want to take, I’m here to play for a place and be part of the WC, says Fabian Zetterlund.
READ MORE: The giant rage after Modo’s promotion to the SHL and the behavior towards Djurgården: “Pissing bad”