Montreal Canadiens rookie defenceman Mattias Norlinder's first season in the NHL has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He sustained an injury during the pre-season and didn't make his NHL debut until November 18th.

There were question marks on if he would spend the season in Montreal or Sweden. As December 1st came, he was eligible to spend the season in the AHL as he was on an NHL roster on the first of the month.

After six games in the NHL and two, three-game stints in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, The Montreal Canadiens have sent Norlinder back to Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League

Earlier this month, Norlinder expressed his desire to return to Frolunda HC after the uncertainty he faced for the remainder of the season in Montreal.

"In all honesty, I have been wanting go home for a while," Norlinder said. "After my injury I thought I was going home, that was the way it sounded. Instead I got sent down to get a few games. At the same time it has been special for Montreal as it hasn't gone the way the club expected. Then, last week, I wanted to know the plan, but then they fired the GM and almost the whole staff."

In six games for the Canadiens this season, Norlinder has one assist, two penalty minutes, and is a plus-two.

With Norlinder being sent back to Frolunda HC, he'll be joining a strong team that includes Detroit Red Wings prospect Simon Edvinsson. Frolunda HC currently sits second in the SHL standings with a record of 14-6-4-4.

For Habs fans, you might not have to wait long before seeing Norlinder on your Tvs. Frolunda HC are one of six teams participating at the upcoming Spengler Cup in Switzerland, which can be seen on TSN.

Source: Expressen.se

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