During the decisive SC final in 2017, Simon Önerud stepped forward in the fourth period. After a pass by Martin Thörnberg in the seventh game, he shot in the puck that decided the SM final against Brynäs.
After that, the team moved to Russia and a season in the KHL. Before the 2018-2019 season, Önerud returned to Jönköping and has since played for his parent club.
Now the contract has expired and no decision has been made about the future.
– I obviously have a hope of playing in HV. They have worked hard to get back after the injury. It would have been fun to show yourself and everyone else that you did a good rehab, says the former captain Önerud.
How are the talks with sports manager Kent “Nubben” Norberg going?
– It is likely that nothing will happen in HV. The final decision rests with the “Nubben”, of course. But at the moment I have not received a contract. They haven’t said they want to keep me. We have little left to talk about.
Simon Önerud hopes to continue in HV71
However, Simon Önerud has been clear that he is happy to continue in HV71.
– Yes, I have been. We haven’t had a lot of communication after the season, but I’m pretty sure they know where they have me. I’m training full time here now. I’m preparing to play on.
The 34-year-old extended with HV71 when the club was relegated to the hockey allsvenskan, but in the last two seasons his career has been marred by injuries. Last season there were only six games in the HV jersey after a completed knee operation.
– I hurried back. You really wanted to come back and help the team. It was in that vein when we changed coaches and we started winning. At the same time, I fully understand that it is not possible to record anyone in the situation we were in. It was still fun to participate and train to the fullest and be part of that turnaround. However, the season did not turn out as we had hoped from the start, but it was a good end after all.
“I’m in good shape”
The 34-year-old is now fully preparing for next season.
– I feel 100 percent. I go full throttle and continue to work on my knee. It still feels good. I’m in good shape.
Önerud has not given up on continuing in his parent club. He is also clear that he wants to continue playing, regardless of the decision of HV71.
Putting the skates on the shelf is not an option.
– I feel that I will not do that. I myself feel that I can contribute. In HV there is a lot to help with, for example to relieve the burden with leadership. Then on the ice, I am convinced that I can contribute. Then it’s clear, it would have been in a different role. I was little of such a player when I came up in HV. That ball is not in my possession.
So you are open to playing in a third or fourth chain?
– Absolutely, I have no problem with that.
