Despite a 50 percent wage loss: Dominik Egli challenges himself

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Since his professional career started eight years ago, Dominik Egli (25) has had a lot of focus. “My most important topic was and remains finding the place in my career where I can develop as best as possible.”

The defender moved from Kloten to Biel in 2018, but things did not go as planned. The next stop was Rapperswil-Jona. Egli knows that his transfer to the SCRJ Lakers was seen by many as a step backwards. “But for me there was more responsibility and ice time.” He then chose HC Davos to learn to deal with the greater pressure of expectations at a successful big club.

The question of all questions: now or never?

Since signing with the Lakers, Egli has explicitly written an exit clause for the SHL, Sweden’s highest division. It was then that he became interested in the SHL. Also thanks to his then agent Martin Plüss (46), who played for Frölunda from 2004 to 2008. Over the past three years, the subject of Egli flirting with a move to Sweden has been brought up again and again and then evaporated.

This cannot go on forever. That’s why the 25-year-old asked himself, “Is now the time to leave my comfort zone?” But why Sweden? The answers are simple for the national player. “The SHL is a defensive league, which is actually bad for me as an offensive defenseman. But I told myself that if I could develop further there, it would be valuable for my game. I want to challenge myself.” System-wise, it is much more difficult to create scoring opportunities there.

SHL enjoys a higher reputation

An important point for the Thurgauer is that the reputation of the Swedish league is higher among NHL scouts. Because Egli still has the dream of one day playing in North America. “In Switzerland, the interest of scouts is mainly aroused when a player scores point after point. In Sweden, on the other hand, some of them are in the stands at every SHL match. This gives me a greater chance of standing out and being seen.”

To understand the HCD defender clearly: he likes to play in Switzerland – but also in Davos. It’s not a decision against the National League, but rather a decision in favor of improving the overall package. “Staying here would have been the easy way. I have achieved a status in Switzerland that no one can take away from me.” He could return at any moment.

What makes Egli’s decision all the more remarkable is the financial component. The fact that he has withdrawn his clause and will move to Frölunda in Gothenburg next season means an estimated 50 percent loss in wages for him. He can understand many people’s surprise about this.

But Egli asked herself the simple question: “What do I want?” His answer was no money. “I believe that this step to move to Sweden is an investment for my future and my hockey, not for my wallet.” Everything is a matter of perspective. For him, the journey is more important than the financial aspect. “I play hockey to be among the best. With the team and personally.”

Source : Blick