A month after the mystery contract termination of Patrik Berglund and the Buffalo Sabres we finally get to hear the other side of the story.
Berglund has an exclusive interview with Hockeypuls SE in Sweden.
It was evident from the beginning that Berglund had no regrets about his decision.
“I feel better today. My goal was to come home. This is my start to find my way back to my self again – through friends and family. I have gotten help in other ways as well. When I am home I feel more secure, I can breathe and I am more peaceful.”
Also he went on to say later in the interview, “the league (NHL) and players union (NHLPA) were fantastic in offering and give help, but I needed to make my own decision and find out what to do to find happiness again…I don’t regret the decision that I made.”
The veteran forward discusses what led to him leaving the team. First and foremost he talked about having no resentment towards the team or player.
“I was suspended for disciplinary reasons, I didn’t show up for practice and a game. It was a correct suspension, I didn’t know how to act in another way. I needed to get home, I needed a break from hockey and I needed help.”
This may be one of the more important things he said and good for fans to hear, “I want to say that I am very sorry that I left and betrayed Buffalo as a team. The players were wonderful and I wish every player and the organisation all the best for the future. They haven’t done anything wrong to me”.
He talked about how the trade from the St. Louis Blues really had an effect on this decision. He didn’t feel comfortable from the beginning and it grew to a point that he didn’t want to pretend any longer.
I’ve felt like crap, money doesn’t make anyone happy – Patrik Berglund
This particular part of the article really grabbed me:
“Early in the interview it is clear that Patrik Berglund terminated his NHL contract because he had lost the happiness and energy and he needed to go home to find his true self, to find harmony and his mental balance”
Berglund also said he didn’t know what his hockey future holds at this time.
It’s a very good interview and worth the time to read it. It’s in Swedish so you’ll have to use google translate. Full article can be found here.