Former Red Wings goaltender Magnus Hellberg signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an unrestricted free agent, but today, in speaking with HockeySverige.se’s Ronnie Ronnqvist, Hellberg reflected upon his tenure as a Detroit Red Wing:
“After Seattle, it was Detroit. I should add that my partner, Emma, was with me during this time and carried our daughter, Freja, who is now eight weeks old. She was heavily pregnant when I was picked up on waivers, so it wasn’t “just” packing the hockey bag; you have to pack the whole family.
“We had three different doctors, so it wasn’t just hockey-wise that things happened. But it was also in my private life. I have to give compliments to Emma. She knew what to expect this season, and was fantastic throughout the journey,” says Magnus Hellberg, who breaks into a smile. “It was a special season in that way, but at the same time, we were in the NHL for the whole season, and I only started in 20 games.”
It felt like the 2022-23 season was the first where you got a relatively big role on an NHL team?
“Yes, that’s how I felt at the same time, as it was nice to land a little with a team. Being able to be in one place and work. Not having to feel like we were living in a suitcase.
“In terms of hockey, I was mixed and gave a little. Some games felt fantastic, while others went less well. Also, Detroit, as a team, all the goalies and all the players, had a tough season, and hockey is a team sport.
“I would have liked to maintain a more stable level during the games I played, but I learned a lot throughout the season.
“In Russia, I was more of a first-choice goaltender and gained a lot of trust. In Detroit, I ended up in a back-up role where I didn’t get to play as much. Maybe I played a game every two or three weeks. It was also something I needed to deal with and make the best of the situation to help the team win.”
Do we in Sweden really understand how good Lucas Raymond was last season?
“I don’t think so. Lucas is an amazingly good hockey player, and I noticed that he will play in that league throughout his career and maintain a very high level.
“He has a really good shot and is cunning out there, and so the Swedish people will definitely see a lot more of him.”
Continued (in translation)
