Djurgården enters the new SHL season ahead of the September 19 premiere with a heavily restructured roster, welcoming eight new players to the club, according to the team. Following a ninth-place finish in the regular season as league newcomers and a first-round playoff exit against Malmö, the Stockholm club has added veteran depth and North American experience to replace outgoing top scorers.
Roster Overhaul Brings NHL and AHL Experience to Stockholm
The club lost top point-getter Joey LaLeggia along with junior World Champions Anton Frondell, Viggo Björck, and Victor Eklund to North American opportunities during the offseason. To fill those gaps, Djurgården secured several high-profile additions, headlined by 26-year-old center Nils Åman.
According to Åman, who spent four seasons in North America playing 137 NHL games for the Vancouver Canucks and 123 AHL games for Abbotsford, his game has evolved significantly since his previous stint in the SHL with Leksand. “I have developed basically my whole game, all over the ice,” Åman told reporters regarding his return to Sweden after registering 41 points in 55 games to lead the Abbotsford Canucks in scoring last season. Leksand and Frölunda also pursued the Avesta native, but he chose Djurgården after early and productive discussions.
Alongside Åman, the club added forward Lukas Vejdemo from Leksand, who recorded 18 goals last season, and defenseman Lucas Carlsson from San Jose Barracuda in the AHL. Carlsson signed a four-year contract but will miss the opening matches due to a knee injury.
Captain Marcus Krüger Assesses the “More Mature” Squad
Club captain Marcus Krüger, who recently signed a contract extension after undergoing groin surgery in the spring, expressed satisfaction with the summer recruitment. Krüger noted that while the team lost key juniors who carried heavy loads late last year, the arrivals of Åman, Sebastian Hartmann, Lukas Vejdemo, and Lucas Carlsson create a more balanced age distribution.
“We have lost some juniors who, especially during the latter part of the season, were bearing for us,” Krüger said. “You never want to be satisfied with just participating. We are humble that it is a tough league, but I like what we have done during the preseason.”
Complete List of Djurgården Newcomers for the Season
- Liam Pettersson (Back, 19): Joined on a two-year junior contract from Växjö, where he played two SHL games last season.
- Lucas Carlsson (Back, 29): Signed a four-year deal after recording 12 goals and 14 assists for the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL.
- Sebastian Hartmann (Forward, 32): Brought in on a three-year contract from Timrå, bringing 316 games of SHL experience.
- Nils Åman (Forward, 26): Agreed to a three-year deal after four seasons in North America with Vancouver and Abbotsford.
- Lukas Vejdemo (Forward, 30): Returned on a four-year contract after recording 18 goals and 26 total points last season.
- Nikolas Brouillard (Back, 31): Signed a one-year deal after contributing 24 points in 67 games for the San Diego Gulls in the AHL.
- Henrik Eriksson (Forward, 36): Returned to Djurgården on a one-year contract following stints in the Hockeyallsvenskan with Mora and Södertälje.
- Noel Gunler (Forward, 24): Joined on a two-year contract after posting 35 points in 71 AHL games for the Chicago Wolves.
Pro Tip: Djurgården opens its campaign on September 19 at Avicii Arena against league newcomers Björklöven, offering the newly constructed roster an immediate test on home ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Djurgården play its SHL season opener?
The SHL season begins on September 19, with Djurgården facing newcomer Björklöven at Avicii Arena.
Who are the key players joining Djurgården for the upcoming season?
Key additions include Nils Åman, former Leksand forward Lukas Vejdemo, and defenseman Lucas Carlsson.
Why did Lucas Carlsson miss the start of the season?
Lucas Carlsson is sidelined for the opening matches due to a knee injury.
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