Weekly Recap: Färjestad Welcome Back Hometown Boy

NHL Contracts

There was a trio of NHL signings this week for SHL players. The Malmö Redhawks had a pair of players ink NHL contracts this week. Both Joakim Ryan and Dominik Badinka have signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ryan is no stranger to North American hockey or the NHL. He was born in New Jersey and spent four season playing for Cornell University in the NCAA and has six season in the AHL/NHL under his belt. For the past three seasons he has played with Malmö and wore the A this past season. He also played four games with Carolina during the 2020-21 season. 

– We are glad to have Joakim back in Carolina after his time here in 2020-21. His veteran leadership and experience at the highest levels will be a great asset to our organization, says Carolina GM Eric Tulsky

Dominik Badinka was an early second round pick in this summers NHL entry draft by Carolina and they have now signed him to an entry level contract. Badinka played 33 games with the Redhawks this season and 17 games with their J20 team. It is likely he will be loaned to Malmö for the coming season. 

Steen

Oskar Steen has spent the past four seasons playing with Boston and their AHL affiliate. Previous to that he was a product of the Färjestad junior program and played the better part of three seasons with the main team. Now, the 26 year old forward is returning to his hometown team. 

– Bringing Oskar Steen home is something we didn't initially expect this year. But when that opportunity now appeared, we have been clear all along with Oskar, that then we want him to come home and help us and chase new SM gold, and therefore it feels extra good that this is now the case, says sports director Rickard Wallin.

During his time in North America he played 60 games in the NHL and 221 games in the AHL. 

– It feels fantastically fun. In some way, you have longed for this day, even if you might have hoped that you would manage to stay a little longer over there. But Färjestad is the team in my heart and I enjoy myself very well in Karlstad, so it feels incredibly good, says Steen.

And he will not be going anywhere else anytime soon. His contract with Färjestad is valid for the next five seasons. 

Eisenmenger

Timrå has recruited forward Maximillian Eisenmenger. Although he is German born, he played his junior hockey in Sweden with Södertälje and Djurgården. He is now returning to Sweden for his first full season in the SHL. 

– We are very happy to be able to expand our center side with Maximilian. He will be able to contribute in important situations with his strength in the face-off circle, then his profile fits into our team building, he is big, strong and strong on the skates, we look forward to two seasons with him and see him take steps in his own development and be able to contribute to the team, says sports manager Kimmo Kapanen

Koivula

The Växjö Lakers have recruited a Finnish forward who will be getting his first taste of Swedish hockey this season. Otto Koivula has spent the majority of the past five seasons in North America playing in the AHL and has 28 games in the NHL with the New York Islanders. Previous to that he played two seasons in Finlands top league Liiga. 

– I was very happy when the opportunity to play for such a prestigious organization as Växjö Lakers appeared. It will be fun to become part of the winning culture. The chance to compete for championships with a team that has a history of success made it an easy choice for me to come to Växjö, says Koivula. 

Ruotsalainen

Frölunda has also recruited a Finnish forward as they have inked Arttu Ruotsalainen to a new deal. The 26 year old will be playing in the SHL for the first time in his career this coming season. He has spent the past two season in Switzerland playing with EHC Kloten and HC Lugano. He also has 35 games played in the NHL With the Buffalo Sabres. 

– We have had a dialogue for a while and are happy that it is finished. Arttu is an offensively skilled player who can contribute in the power play. He also has experience from games in North America and Switzerland. He will fit in well with us, says sporting director Fredrik Sjöström

The contract is valid for the coming season. 

Peterson

Jacob Peterson will be returning to the SHL thus coming season. For the past three seasons he has played with Dallas, San José and their AHL affiliates. Previous to that he played with Färjestad and Frölunda. He has now signed a deal with Rögle. 

– We are very happy to have Jacob here. It is a responsible two-way center that will complement our group in a good way. We are sure that he will fit perfectly into the dressing room and the way we want to play. He has gained good experience in North America and we look forward to seeing him take further steps with us, says Rögle's sporting director Hampus Sjöström.