Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson leaving Bruins for Swedish Hockey League
Nov 21, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Bruins center Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (23) skates to his left during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com
Bruins tweener Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson is going back home, as the center has informed the Bruins that he intends to leave the organization and sign with Vaxjo of the Swedish Hockey League.
“Jakob will continue his professional hockey career and development in the SHL and we support his decision to be closer to his family at this time in his life,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said in a statement released by the team.
After making his NHL debut on the final game of the 2017 season, the 22-year-old appeared in 28 games with the Bruins in 2018-19, recording three goals, six assists and averaging 11:48 while playing all around Bruce Cassidy’s middle-six.
But Forsbacka Karlsson was unable to secure his spot on the Boston roster — be it as a second-ling right wing next to David Krejci or as the center of the Black and Gold’s then-disjointed third line — and Sweeney’s deadline moves for Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson all but guaranteed that Forsbacka Karlsson would finish his season in the AHL yet again.
It wasn’t going to get any easier for Forsbacka Karlsson in 2019-20, either, with Jack Studnicka joining the pro ranks full-time, and with players such as Trent Frederic expected to take another step forward after their first year or pro seasoning.
Drafted by the Bruins in the second round (45th overall) in 2015, the Bruins have not closed the door on Forsbacka Karlsson eventually returning to the B’s organization (Sweeney noted that Forsbacka Karlsson communicated that he intends to return to the Bruins at some point). But for now, it’s back to Sweden for the ex-Boston University Terrier.
“For right now he feels playing at home in Sweden is what is best for him,” said Sweeney.
