Olle Lycksell, a forward for the Ottawa Senators, is eyeing a move to Switzerland’s National League next season, despite interest from clubs in his native Sweden. This decision marks the end of his NHL journey, as he's set to become a Group VI unrestricted free agent and won't be re-signing with Ottawa or any other NHL team.
Lycksell, originally drafted by the Flyers in 2017, has been playing in North America for four seasons, with this being his first in the Senators organization. After being selected in the sixth round, he honed his skills in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) before signing with Philadelphia in 2021.
The Flyers loaned him back to the Växjö Lakers in Sweden, where he delivered a standout performance with 14 goals and 34 points over 47 games. This success paved his way to North America the following season.
Standing at 5'11", Lycksell has been a standout performer in the AHL, consistently producing at a high level. Over his four seasons, he has averaged over a point per game twice, amassing 61 goals and 145 points in 160 career minor-league games.
This year, he’s contributed 17 points in 25 games with the Belleville Senators. However, his AHL prowess hasn't fully translated to NHL success.
Despite getting opportunities with the Flyers and the Senators, he has only managed two goals and 13 points across 52 NHL games. His style hasn't quite fit the typical fourth-line role, leading to inconsistent performances and challenges in securing a top-six position.
Now 26, Lycksell will enter free agency again this summer, having stayed under 80 career NHL appearances. His skill set seems well-suited for the European game, particularly in Switzerland, where he’s expected to become a leading scorer if he makes the move.