A Fresh Start in the SHL
Wojciech Stachowiak, a 27‑year‑old left‑winger and German international, has agreed to a contract with Örebro in Sweden’s SHL after the Detroit Red Wings chose not to extend him a new deal. The move comes following a season spent primarily with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he recorded four goals and 15 points in ten games before the campaign concluded.
Stachowiak’s European journey includes a notable stint at the 2024 Winter Olympics, where he skated alongside Moritz Seider, a fellow German defenseman and Detroit Red Wings prospect. The Olympic experience added a new dimension to his game and reinforced his desire to compete at the highest level abroad.
The signing also reunites him with former Griffins teammate Filip Larsson, who now shares a locker room in Örebro. Larsson’s presence was a factor in the winger’s decision, as the club offered an opening after Finnish forward Teemu Turunen departed the roster.
Having voiced criticism of the Red Wings’ contract stance, Stachowiak entered unrestricted free agency and ultimately chose Sweden as the next step in his career. He expressed optimism about the new environment, emphasizing his focus on finding a team where he can compete, develop, and eventually make his NHL debut.