After falling in the SHL semifinals, Swedish powerhouse Skelleftea AIK is already moving forward with their plans for next season. The team has announced a list of players who will not be returning in 2021-22, and it includes some notable NHL names. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg, Detroit Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Roland McKeown are all among those who will not return to Skelleftea next year; all are expected to instead be in the NHL.
Broberg, 19, has in fact already made the jump, as he was recalled by the Oilers earlier this week. The 2019 No. 8 overall pick has been in Skelleftea on loan for two years since being drafted, but the big two-way defenseman is ready for the next step in his career. Berggren appears to be prepared to make that leap as well.
Detroit’s 2018 second-round pick was Skelleftea’s leading scorer this season, recording 45 points in 49 games. The 20-year-old skilled playmaker is one of a number of promising Red Wings prospects, but Berggren’s dominance at the pro level this year should give him a leg up in training-camp battles.
McKeown is the outlier of the group; the 25-year-old blue liner made his European debut this season on loan from the Hurricanes. The former top prospect out of the OHL had faded from relevance among the Hurricanes’ deep defensive group and wished to stay in Sweden this year rather than play yet again in the AHL. While McKeown may join Carolina as a depth option in the playoffs now that his SHL season is over, his days with the organization are numbered. Slated for Group 6 unrestricted free agency this summer, McKeown may not be back with Skelleftea but he certainly won’t be staying in Raleigh either. He will have other options on the open market to find a more clear path to NHL opportunity.
Here are some more notes...
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!