Story Summary
Skellefteå goaltender Linus Söderström missed the opening of the 2026/27 SHL season as he continues rehabilitation after surgery on his other foot. The 30-year-old began skating a few weeks ago and is rebuilding step by step, avoiding firm return dates. Söderström said he elected to have the operation earlier in the hope of an earlier comeback and that the procedure was similar to last year’s, though on the opposite foot. He is taking the process week by week and said he hopes he may be able to play sometime in October. Last season, Söderström returned only in February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s run to an SM-guld.
Key Facts
- Linus Söderström is 30 years old and is identified as Skellefteå’s star goaltender.
- Söderström missed the start of the 2026/27 SHL season; this is the second year in a row he has missed the opening of the campaign.
- He has undergone a surgical procedure similar to last year’s operation, but on his other foot this time.
- Söderström began skating again a few weeks before speaking to TV4 and is working to reintegrate on-ice movements.
- He said he chose to have the operation earlier this year in the hope of an earlier return and that he ” wanted to get it done” as soon as possible.
- Last season he did not return to the ice until February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s Swedish Championship gold (SM-guld) later in the spring.
- Söderström has won three SM-guld in his career: 2017, 2024 and 2026.
- On his timetable for this season, Söderström said he prefers to take the rehab week by week and suggested he ” maybe can play sometime in October,” while stressing he dislikes setting fixed dates.
IHM Discussion
Söderström’s comments underline a cautious, process-driven approach to recovery. He contrasts this year’s decision to operate earlier with a rehabilitation attempt last summer that did not go well, saying he did not hesitate when a similar situation arose. His focus is on movement patterns in the operated area and on avoiding the pressure of committing to calendar dates. That approach reflects last season’s delayed return, when he resumed in February and played five regular-season games before contributing to Skellefteå’s title success. The earlier operation may give him a better chance of returning sooner, but his own language puts prudence ahead of speed.
Why It Matters
Söderström is a Skellefteå star and a proven playoff performer. A fully fit return in October would give the reigning champions another experienced option in goal, while a longer absence would require them to continue without one of their three-time Swedish champions. His preference for movement quality over preset return dates points to a recovery process built around readiness rather than a rushed comeback.
Mini Q&A
Why is Linus Söderström missing the start of the SHL season?
He is rehabbing after undergoing surgery on the other foot; it is a similar type of procedure to last year’s operation but performed on the opposite foot.
When did he begin on-ice work?
Söderström said he began skating a few weeks ago and is working his way back on the ice.
Has he had this kind of operation before?
Yes; he had a comparable operation last year and this year’s procedure is similar in many ways, though on the other foot.
What is his expected return timetable?
He is avoiding fixed dates but said he is taking rehabilitation week by week and hopes he ” maybe can play sometime in October.”
How did last season’s comeback go?
Last season he did not return until February, played five regular-season games and was part of Skellefteå’s eventual SM-guld that spring.
How many Swedish Championship golds has Söderström won?
He has won three SM-guld in his career: 2017, 2024 and 2026.
What Comes Next
Söderström is progressing week by week in his rehabilitation and said he hopes he may be able to play sometime in October. October is a possibility, not a fixed return date.
IHM Final View
Linus Söderström has undergone surgery on his other foot, resumed skating and is rebuilding carefully. After returning late last season and helping Skellefteå secure an SM-guld, an earlier comeback would be welcome, but he has been clear that he will not force a timetable. An October return remains possible, not guaranteed.