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From Pro Hockey Rumors
Zack Leach writes,
The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of elimination, but are technically still alive in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, that hasn’t stopped Joakim Nygard (or at least his camp) from looking ahead. Swedish news source Afton Bladet reports that Nygard, an impending unrestricted free agent, has received a “super contract” offer from his former SHL club, Farjestad BK. It is believed that the offer carries a five- or six-year term, all but ending the 28-year-old’s NHL career if he accepts.
Although Farjestad GM Peter Jakobsson would not confirm that Nygard had accepted an offer, seeing as he remains under contract with Edmonton, he did confirm the concrete interest and stated that they “obviously want” Nygard back. The forward spent eight years with the club before jumping to North America in 2019 and even returned briefly on loan early this season while awaiting the start of the delayed NHL season. With such tight ties to the club, it makes sense that Afton Bladet reports he has spurned other offers from around Europe and remains interested only in Farjestad or remaining in the NHL.
After the season that Nygard has had, all odds point to a return to Sweden. The quick winger enjoyed a nice start to his NHL career last season with nine points in 33 games, but the Oilers seemingly did not feel that he was worthy of an extended look in his second season. Nygard skated in just nine games with Edmonton and was held scoreless. He spent the remainder of the campaign watching from the press box, even as the team struggled with secondary scoring, and has yet to appear in the postseason. Without having proved much in the league, and having cleared waivers as well, there likely won’t be much interest in Nygard this off-season. With a substantial offer on the table back home, it seems like a no-brainer for Nygard barring an unexpected and mindset-shifting offer from someone else.
BLH’s Thoughts: If Nygard has what is considered a “super deal” on the table, he should accept it. He was brought in because the Oilers thought his speed and scoring acumen would help the team, instead he struggled to deal with the NHL’s physicality and found himself injured more often than not.
That said, in the few appearances he had this season, his forechecking proved to cause opposing defenses some bother and there was some promise brewing. Then he got hurt, again.
It’s a shame he couldn’t find his way with the Oilers but as soon as he lost the trust of the coach, that was it for him.
He’s a superstar in Sweden where his skillset flourishes on the big ice and it’s not like he’s 22 or 23 anymore. If he accepted this offer from his old club, he’d probably make good money for that league and play a lot of international hockey for Sweden to boot. I agree with Leach, it really is a no-brainer. Plus, I don’t think the Oilers are interested in bringing him back.
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