The Swedish star was in contact with teams in Sweden – but nobbed for KHL contract: “Not made big money”

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Fredrik Claesson left the NHL for the KHL.
But there was interest from Sweden.
– I think it’s boring, says Djurgården’s sports director to the express.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, many Swedes have left the KHL. The SHL had received several strong reinforcements as a result of players no longer wanting to play in Russia, and many believe that the tax paid in the country as a hockey player directly contributes to Russia’s coffers.

Be in contact with Swedish team

But there are also those who made the choice to take the step to the Russian league. Robin Press became the first Swede to extend his contract in the league, and on Wednesday it was also clear that defender Fredrik Claesson chooses to leave the NHL, where he has played the last seven years, for games in the KHL.

New Jersey Devils defender Fredrik Claesson (33) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo / Mary Altaffer)

Claesson also chooses games in CSKA Moscow, the club that is the Russian army. Many have raged against Claesson’s choice to sign for games in the country, and not least Djurgården’s supporters, as he has a clear connection to the team.

“Did not make big money”

Now the hockey allsvenska club’s sports director also confirms that they had a dialogue earlier in the year – but that Claesson was already set for games in the KHL.

– Even then, we got indications that he wanted to go to Russia, as he has had a number of years in the US without actually making any big money. So it turned out as we feared. But we have not had any discussion lately. I think for him it was about staying in North America or getting a good deal out in Europe, says sports director KG Stoppel to Expressen.

180825 back Fredrik Claesson during the charity tournament All Star Tournament between Stockholm All Stars and Djurgården on 25 August 2018 in Stockholm. Photo: Dennis Ylikangas / Bildbyrån

Djurgården has made several super-distortions during the spring, despite the fact that they left the SHL. Stoppel feels sad towards Claesson – but also towards the International Ice Hockey Federation.

– I think it’s boring. But it is up to him to make those values. I generally find it sad that hockey has not really taken a stand on that issue anywhere, unlike football.

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