A Unexpected Turn in Detroit
Wojciech Stachowiak entered the 2025‑26 season with the expectation of securing a second contract with the Detroit Red Wings, but the club chose not to extend a qualifying offer. The decision left the Polish‑born forward an unrestricted free agent, opening the door to options beyond the NHL.
After a strong finish with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he recorded 15 points in ten games following a mid‑season trade from Detroit, Stachowiak attracted interest from several European clubs. Örebro, the Swedish SHL team, emerged as a leading suitor.
A New Chapter in Örebro
The Swedish club moved quickly after losing Finnish forward Teemu Turunen, who decided to remain in Finland for family reasons. Örebro’s sports director Henrik Löwdahl identified Stachowiak as a player who could immediately contribute, offering him a two‑year contract.
The move also involved a buy‑out of Stachowiak’s existing deal with Ingolstadt Adlers of Germany’s DEL, a step that cleared the way for his transfer to the SHL. Löwdahl praised the forward’s recent AHL performance, describing him as a valuable addition ready to compete at the top level.
Stachowiak expressed enthusiasm about the new chapter, highlighting his desire to test himself against the best competition in Sweden and to help Örebro return to the upper echelon of the league. The signing marks a significant step in his career after a season of uncertainty in North America.