Vancouver Canucks prospect decides to leave North America

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Cooper Godin
May 21, 2024 (1:59 PM)

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Earlier this month, the Abbotsford Canucks were eliminated from the Calder Cup Playoffs and with their season over, some players were wondering what would come next and if they'd return for the 2024-25 campaign. For one Canucks prospect, he's decided he wants to return home to Europe.

In a post on social media late last week, it was announced that defensive prospect Filip Johansson will return to Europe and has signed a contract with Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League.

Note: the quotes in this story are translated from Swedish.

"We are very happy that Filip has chosen to continue his development with us. He is incredibly ambitious, offensively gifted with good shots and smooth with the puck. He complements our existing backup set-up perfectly and will contribute strongly to driving our offensive from the back, says sporting director Hampus Sjöström."

Johansson, 24, was originally drafted 24th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2018, but after going unsigned, he became a free agent and inked a contract with the Vancouver Canucks in the summer of 2022. Johansson says that he's excited for the opportunity to play for Rogle BK next season.

"I am really looking forward to it. I have been in contact with Hampus for a while now and am really keen to get down. It's a good place to keep developing and a good team fighting to win. I am also looking forward to playing in front of the fans in the Catena Arena. It's always a good atmosphere and setting, says Johansson."

The Vasteras, Sweden native appeared in 55 games this season for the Abbotsford Canucks where he put up 18 points (five goals, 13 assists), ten penalty minutes and was a plus-five. He went on to add an assist in six playoff games. Johansson is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and is arbitration eligible, so it'll be interesting to see if Patrik Allvin issues him a qualifying offer to retain his rights.

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