Story Summary
Lucas Wallmark, the 31-year-old centre who returned home as his club’s captain, has given a positive update on an under-body injury that has kept him out of pre-season. Wallmark told Expressen that his body has reacted well and that he will step up his programme to train at 100 per cent next week. He said “Finally” and added that he is aiming to be available on Friday; he has not played a single pre-season match and was expected to make a comeback against Timrå, while he will sit out the meeting with MoDo earlier in the week. The SHL season opener against Djurgården is scheduled for 19 September, which could be his first league game since the 2016 playoffs.
Key Facts
- Wallmark said nothing was torn and that the priority was reducing the pain.
- The 31-year-old centre is a returning home player and serves as his club’s captain, according to his interview with Expressen.
- After a positive reaction in his recovery, Wallmark says he will increase his workload and train 100 per cent in the coming week.
- He told Expressen “Äntligen” (” Finally”) about his planned return and that he has been out for a couple of weeks.
- Wallmark said he is targeting Friday for a return: “Jag siktar på fredag.”
- He has not played any pre-season matches; his anticipated comeback duty would be against Timrå, while he expects to miss the meeting with MoDo earlier in the week.
- Since 2016 he has played in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and at world and Olympic tournaments, as noted.
IHM Discussion
Wallmark’s comments are a player update rather than a medical report: he says his body has responded well and that he plans to step up to full training next week. As a 31-year-old centre and returning captain, his availability carries obvious importance. Having missed the entire pre-season, he may need time to build back into game action, but his plan to train fully and target Friday offers a near-term indication of progress. His experience in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and international hockey adds to the leadership he can bring when available.
Why It Matters
Wallmark’s return would restore an experienced centre and the club captain ahead of the league opener, adding to the significance of his homecoming. If fit for the early matches, his experience in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and international hockey could bring depth and leadership.
Mini Q&A
What exactly did Wallmark say about his injury?
He said nothing was torn, but that he needed to reduce the pain. He also said his body had responded positively so far.
When will he return to full training?
Wallmark said he will step up and train at 100 per cent in the coming week.
Is he aiming to play soon?
Yes. He told Expressen he is targeting Friday for a return and that he is looking forward to getting going again.
Has he played any pre-season matches?
No. Wallmark has not played any pre-season matches and was pencilled in to return against Timrå while missing the MoDo meeting earlier in the week.
What Comes Next
Wallmark plans to increase his training to 100 per cent during the coming week and has publicly stated he is targeting a return on Friday. He was expected to make a comeback against Timrå and will sit out the earlier meeting with MoDo. The SHL season opener against Djurgården on 19 September remains a key calendar checkpoint for his potential first league appearance since 2016.