Most things say Melker Carlson, 32, played his last hockey game.
But nothing has been installed yet.
– By Christmas I have to make a decision anyway, says the former Skellefteå AIK striker.
After six NHL seasons in San Jose Sharks turned Melker Carlson home to Skellefteå AIK When I was 30 years old two seasons ago.
The contract expired last spring and at the beginning of October, The Melk Man announced that the end was near Noran’s “Islossning” podcast.
“I decided I wanted to quit, but it’s hard to say frankly,” the Lycksele striker said at the time.
It’s Carlson’s deadline
When Sportbladet contacted him a month later to check on the situation, he had not yet made up his mind.
– Like I said in the podcast, by Christmas I have to make a decision anyway. Otherwise it’s almost too late, I think, if you’re going to make an investment to come back.
Injuries have hampered Carlson in recent years. It was the back that was primarily strained, which resulted in performance suffering. This in turn affected motivation.
– The damage has subsided, and now it comes to the mentality, if you want to take the trip again.
“I haven’t written it yet…”
But is a return still possible?
– lol! Yes, I didn’t say I quit yet…but it can’t be too late.
Does the body feel better otherwise?
– Yes, although I did not train on ice and the like. If you were to do it again, it would also be a question of whether or not the body tolerated it.
Is it Skellefteå AIK or nothing at all applies?
– Yes, if Skellefteå thinks they want me and if I do. Then you can bet after that. But like I said, it’s not a big chance.
Did you have any conversations with General Manager Eric Forsell during the fall?
– No, it’s been a long time. We know where we have each other if he must come.
The 32-year-old father of three won two SM golds with Skellefteå. He states that things have been a bit up and down for his former teammates over the fall.
– But in the last few games, they’ve bounced back and shown what they can do.