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2019 NHL draft
Photo credit: NBC

Young first-round pick abandons the NHL and signs in Sweden

Published May 13, 2024 at 5:14 PM
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After an underwhelming start to his career in the NHL, Lassi Thomson is headed to Sweden to ignite his career.

The NHL is full of incredible players with amazing stories, with some making the direct jump to NHL stardom while others have long, winding careers before they can find success. Now, a former first-round pick in Lassi Thomson may be looking at the latter, as he has officially decided to jump ship from North America to sign in the SHL in Sweden.

#Senators 🇨🇦 prospect Lassi Thomson (@lassithomson) 🇫🇮 has signed a one-year deal with the Malmo Redhawks (SHL) 🇸🇪

Thomson, 23, had six goals, 21 points through 67 games played with the Belleville Senators (AHL) 🇨🇦 this season.


He was drafted 19th overall by Ottawa in 2019, but has been limited to just 18 games in the NHL in his career.

With this move, he jumps from the AHL (ranked fifth on the PuckEmpire global league ranking) to the SHL (ranked third in the world).


At just 23-years of age, there's plenty of time for him to turn things around, and with stiff competition awaiting him in Sweden, this could be the move that kick-starts a potential run to an NHL roster spot.


It's unclear just how much potential Thomson has as a prospect, but given solid production at the AHL level, with an expanded role in Sweden, he may find himself back in North America in no time.
WILL THIS MOVE TO THE SHL PAY OFF FOR LASSI THOMSON?
MAY 13      62 ANSWERS
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