Story Summary
Nick Shore’s current contract with Lugano is nearing expiry, with an option available to extend the agreement for the rest of the season. The 34-year-old American centre has started strongly in Switzerland, recording 12 points in 12 matches and sitting among Lugano’s leading scorers.
His situation has prompted discussion in Linköping, where supporters have called for attacking additions as the club sits 13th and has scored the second-fewest goals in the SHL. Shore spent two consecutive seasons with Linköping, producing 50 points across 93 games, but Broc Little has said the forward is not an option for a return.
Key Facts
- Nick Shore has recorded 12 points in 12 matches for Lugano this season.
- Shore’s current Lugano contract is nearing expiry and includes an option to extend the deal for the remainder of the season.
- The 34-year-old centre previously registered 50 points in 93 games across two consecutive seasons with Linköping.
- Linköping are 13th in the SHL and have scored the second-fewest goals in the league.
- Broc Little said Linköping spoke with Shore during the summer, but the player wanted to try something different.
- Shore has played in the NHL and at the Olympic Games during his career.
IHM Discussion
Shore’s production gives his contract position added interest. Twelve points through 12 games is a strong return for a centre settling into a new league, and Lugano have an obvious mechanism to keep him through the season if they choose to exercise their option.
For Linköping, the connection is understandable rather than current. Shore knows the club and delivered respectable production during his two-season spell, while their need for more goals is clear from their league position and scoring record. Little’s comments, however, close down the immediate prospect of a reunion. The summer conversation did not lead to an agreement because Shore wanted a different challenge, and there is no indication that position has changed.
Why It Matters
If Lugano extend Shore’s contract, he remains in Switzerland for the balance of the campaign. If they do not, he could become a free agent, but Linköping have not presented themselves as a destination.
That distinction matters for a club looking for offensive help. Shore’s earlier output in Linköping and his current scoring form make him a natural name in supporter discussion, yet the club’s stated position means any search for attacking reinforcements must be viewed separately from his contract status.
Mini Q&A
Is Nick Shore returning to Linköping?
No return is currently indicated. Broc Little said Linköping spoke with Shore in the summer, but Shore wanted to try something different.
How has Shore performed for Lugano?
The American centre has 12 points in 12 games and is among Lugano’s leading scorers.
What happens when Shore’s current deal ends?
Lugano hold an option to extend his agreement for the rest of the season; otherwise, he would become a free agent.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is whether Lugano use the contract option that would retain Shore for the rest of the season. Shore’s longer-term destination remains unresolved.