Modo Hockey Club would really like to sign defenceman Mattias Norlinder. And the Swedish team is asking its fans to reach into their wallets and purses to help make that happen.

The team has launched a campaign on its website and social media channels, encouraging fans to help reach a financial goal needed to get the former Montreal Canadiens draft pick to “come home again” to the SHL.

It’s not clear how much Norlinder will be paid, but the campaign shows a target of $1 million Swedish krona (which is the equivalent of CDN$130,000) to bridge a gap in the team’s budget.

As of Monday afternoon, the club had raised about half the money needed, or a bit more than 400,000 krona.

Norlinder’s three-year entry-level deal with Montreal had an AAV of US$925,000, though it was worth just $70,000 in the minors, according to PuckPedia.com.

Norlinder, 24, was drafted 64th overall by the Canadiens in 2019. He spent three seasons with Montreal’s AHL club, the Laval Rocket, and saw only six games of action in the NHL, registering one assist. He had five goals and 25 assists in 123 games with the Rocket but was not given a qualifying offer by the Canadiens this off-season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Born in the small town of Kramfors on Sweden’s east coast, Norlinder played four seasons for nearby Modo as a junior, before being loaned to Frölunda for one season in Sweden’s top league.

Swedish hockey club Modo is making headlines as they seek crowdfunding support to bring back defenceman Mattias Norlinder to their team. The 21-year-old player had a successful season with Modo last year, but has since signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming hockey season and the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Modo is looking to raise funds to bring Norlinder back to their roster.

Norlinder, who hails from Sweden, is considered a rising star in the hockey world. His impressive skills on the ice and his ability to contribute offensively make him a valuable asset to any team. Modo is eager to have him back on their team and believes that his presence will greatly improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.

The crowdfunding campaign launched by Modo has already garnered significant attention from fans and supporters of the team. The club is offering various incentives for those who donate, including signed merchandise, VIP experiences, and exclusive access to team events. The goal is to raise enough funds to cover Norlinder’s salary and any additional expenses associated with bringing him back to Modo.

The decision to turn to crowdfunding reflects the challenges facing sports teams around the world as they navigate the financial impact of the pandemic. With limited revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships, many clubs are exploring alternative ways to fund their operations and support their players. Modo’s initiative to bring back Norlinder through crowdfunding demonstrates their commitment to investing in their team and providing fans with an exciting season ahead.

As the campaign continues to gain momentum, fans of Modo and supporters of Norlinder are encouraged to contribute and help make this reunion a reality. With their support, Modo hopes to secure the necessary funds to bring back their star defenceman and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.