Canucks Sign Top Swedish Prospect

After a breakthrough rookie season in the Swedish Hockey League, 22-year-old Linus Karlsson has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Karlsson was named Rookie of the Year in the SHL, with 26 goals and 46 points in 52 games, and Vancouver GM Patrick Allvin is thrilled to have him signed:

Welcome to the Canucks, @Karlsson_16 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/YkvffS55bj

— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) May 26, 2022

"We are excited to officially welcome Linus to Vancouver," said Allvin in a prepared statement. "He is a good goal scorer who plays a solid two-way game, and he is coming off an impressive rookie season in Sweden. We look forward to seeing him develop his game in North America."

His exclusive draft rights were set to expire on June 1st, at which point he would have become an unrestricted free agent, so the Canucks had to act now.

Due to a new transfer agreement with Sweden, due to his age, Karlsson will have to be offered back to Skelleftea AIK if he doesn't make the Canucks NHL roster. 

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports