Leksand Denies 'Mega-Salary' for Filip Larsson, Funding Comes From Outside Investors

Filip Larsson's return to Leksand IF hockey club sparks excitement, but the club says his salary will be covered by external sources.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Leksand IF hockey club in Sweden has announced the return of goaltender Filip Larsson from North America, where he spent the last two years playing in the AHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins' affiliate. Initial reports suggested Larsson would receive a substantial 'mega-salary', but the club's sport director, Thomas Johansson, has clarified that Leksand IF will not be directly paying Larsson's salary, stating it will be financed by outside investors.

Why it matters

This unusual financial arrangement, where a player's salary is covered by external investors rather than the club itself, raises questions about the evolving financial landscape of Swedish hockey. While Leksand has faced economic challenges in the past, this model allows them to acquire talent without straining their budget, which could become more common as clubs seek to remain competitive while navigating financial constraints.

The details

Larsson, 27, previously played for Leksand in 2023 before making a successful transition to the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. His return to the Dala-laget, as Leksand is known, is seen as a significant boost for the team, as Johansson stated that Larsson's previous stint with the club 'made a strong impression on all of us'. Larsson has signed a contract with Leksand that extends to 2029, demonstrating a long-term commitment from both the player and the club.

  • Larsson previously played for Leksand in 2023.
  • Larsson spent the last two years playing in the AHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins' affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
  • Larsson has signed a contract with Leksand that extends to 2029.

The players

Filip Larsson

A 27-year-old goaltender who has returned to play for Leksand IF hockey club in Sweden after spending the last two years in the AHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins' affiliate.

Thomas Johansson

The sport director of Leksand IF hockey club, who has clarified that the club itself will not be directly paying Larsson's salary, stating it will be financed by outside investors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Leksands IF betalar inte en krona, det finansieras av utomstående aktörer.”

— Thomas Johansson, Sport Director, Leksand IF (newsy-today.com)

“Filips förra resa i Leksands IF gjorde ett starkt avtryck på oss alla.”

— Thomas Johansson, Sport Director, Leksand IF (newsy-today.com)

“Nu är vi där och det skall bli väldigt kul att få se Filip i Leksands färger för att hjälpa oss vinna hockeymatcher framåt.”

— Thomas Johansson, Sport Director, Leksand IF (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

This creative financial arrangement, where a player's salary is covered by external investors rather than the club itself, could become more common in Swedish hockey as teams seek to remain competitive while navigating financial constraints. Larsson's long-term commitment to Leksand also demonstrates the club's strategic approach to team building and their belief in the player's ability to help them win games in the future.