Analyzing TSM’s roster moves, PowerOfEvil’s market value, and Bjergsen’s potential return to professional League of Legends play.
The Roster Domino Falls: PowerOfEvil Hits the Market
A significant shift is underway in the League of Legends competitive scene as TSM grants their starting mid laner, PowerOfEvil, permission to engage with other organizations. This strategic move, announced just before the official free agency period, sends a clear signal about potential internal changes for the seven-time LCS champions and fuels widespread speculation regarding legendary player Bjergsen.
The mid lane market just got a major shakeup. TSM’s Tristan ‘PowerOfEvil’ Schrage has publicly entered free agency, announcing his openness to new offers as whispers about a sensational return for retired icon Bjergsen grow louder ahead of the 2022 season.
On October 20, 2021, Schrage confirmed that his team authorized him to seek opportunities elsewhere. This preemptive action occurs before the global free agency window officially opens, giving him a head start in negotiations.
At 23, the German mid laner remains under contract with TSM until November 2022. However, the granted permission to explore offers effectively places him on the trading block. For teams lacking a stable, high-performing mid laner, PowerOfEvil represents a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, especially given his proven track record in both major Western regions.
A critical detail for potential suitors is the confirmed absence of a buyout fee. This clause dramatically increases his accessibility and value on the market, as acquiring teams won’t need to negotiate a separate transfer payment to TSM on top of the player’s salary.
Still in discussions with @TSM
I am exploring options for 2022
NA and EU – no buyout
Contact me through DMs or tristan.schrage@gmx.de
— Tristan Schrage (@PowerOfEvilLoL) October 20, 2021
Since leaving the LEC for OpTic Gaming in 2017, PowerOfEvil has been a journeyman within the LCS, never staying with a single team for more than one consecutive season. His consistent performance, however, makes him a perennial asset. The lack of a buyout fee simplifies any transfer, removing a major financial and bureaucratic hurdle for interested parties.
Decoding the Speculation: Why Bjergsen’s Return Seems Plausible
PowerOfEvil’s imminent departure acts as a catalyst, intensifying long-standing rumors about TSM’s part-owner and head coach, Søren ‘Bjergsen‘ Bjerg. The logical connection is clear: creating a vacancy in the starting mid-lane position is the first necessary step for a coach to re-enter the fray as a player.
Reports from Upcomer in September 2021 indicated Bjergsen was actively weighing a comeback to professional play for the 2022 season. His current contract with TSM is set to conclude on November 16, 2021, aligning perfectly with the free agency period and the timeline of PowerOfEvil’s exploration.
Bjergsen retired from active play on October 24, 2020, transitioning into the head coaching role for TSM. He took over from Parth Naidu, who now serves as the General Manager for League of Legends Operations. This move from superstar player to strategic coach is common, but the reverse journey—coach back to player—is far rarer and signifies a deep, competitive drive.
Similar to PowerOfEvil, Bjergsen’s interests are not limited to a single region. Sources suggest he would pursue a starting role in either the LCS or the LEC. While a return to TSM as a player remains a possibility, his free-agent status would allow any top team in either league to make a compelling offer. For fans analyzing roster moves, a key tip is to watch contract expiration dates; they are the most reliable indicator of potential player movement.
Common Misconceptions About Player Returns
Many fans assume a retired player, especially one who has moved into coaching, has lost their competitive edge or mechanical skill. This is often a mistake. Players like Bjergsen maintain rigorous practice schedules and possess a deep, strategic understanding of the game that can compensate for any slight dip in reaction time. A returning veteran often brings unparalleled leadership and in-game decision-making, assets that can elevate an entire team’s performance.
Strategic Implications for Teams and the LCS Landscape
The concurrent availability of a top-tier mid laner (PowerOfEvil) and a legendary figure potentially returning (Bjergsen) creates a fascinating domino effect for the 2022 preseason. Teams that miss out on one will aggressively pursue the other, and the decisions made will define the competitive hierarchy for the next year.
For organizations, the calculation involves more than just skill. PowerOfEvil offers stability, known performance metrics, and no buyout fee. Bjergsen offers immense brand value, legendary status, and proven championship pedigree, but comes with questions about his form after a year away from professional play. A savvy team might see acquiring Bjergsen as a high-risk, high-reward move that pays off in both standings and marketing.
Navigating Free Agency: A Guide for Fans
To better understand the upcoming shuffle, fans should focus on a few key elements:
- Follow Official Announcements: Player tweets (like PowerOfEvil’s) and team press releases are primary sources. Rumors are rampant, but official word is fact.
- Understand Contract Terms: Know the difference between a player being “out of contract” (free agent) and “allowed to explore” (like PowerOfEvil). The latter still involves possible transfer agreements.
- Analyze Team Needs: Look at which teams had mid-lane weaknesses last season. These are the most likely destinations for available talent.
- Consider Regional Shifts: Both players are open to NA (LCS) and EU (LEC). A major region swap by either could shift the balance of power.
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In conclusion, TSM’s decision to let PowerOfEvil explore the market is far more than a simple roster update. It is the first domino in a chain reaction that could culminate in one of the most storied players in League of Legends history stepping back onto the Summoner’s Rift. The 2022 preseason will be defined by these mid-lane maneuvers.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » TSM’s PoE is open to offers as rumors of Bjergsen ending retirement mount Analyzing TSM's roster moves, PowerOfEvil's market value, and Bjergsen's potential return to professional League of Legends play.